Davina McCall was recording the latest series of ITV's Long Lost Family when she received a text, but didn't have her reading glasses, and struggled to fathom its contents, so she showed it to the camera assistant instead. Davina, 55, reveals, 'He said, "You've got an MBE!" and I replied, "Are you kidding? Check that. Check it again!" Then I burst into tears. I was like, "What is going on?!"
In the King's first Birthday Honours list last month, the mum of three was recognised for her services to broadcasting, following an on-screen career spanning more than 30 years.
'It feels so huge and was something that I genuinely didn't think was going to happen for me, so when it did, it was an enormous shock. It is the greatest honour.'
Best known for working on programmes including Big Brother, The Jump, Celebrity Bake Off and ITV's hit show The Masked Singer, Davina has more recently became celebrated for her taboo-breaking documentaries that champion women's issues, including contraception and menopause. After her second C4 documentary, Davina McCall: Sex, Mind and the Menopause, aired in May last year, she published her award-winning book, Menopausing.
But now the mum is enjoying a well-earned relaxing summer break. 'What's next is a rest, Davina smiles. 'It's always the same with me. Lots of work during term times then I try to take some time off in the [school] holidays I've really tried to be super strict about that.'
This story is from the August 08, 2023 edition of Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 08, 2023 edition of Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Big Help OUT
Support a cause close to your heart with this brilliant charity campaign
MENOPAUSE the good news!
Fed up hearing about how menopause is all doom and gloom? Here’s how to make this period the happiest of your life
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
BABY brights
Stitch this sweet bib and bloomers set for a new arrival
GARDEN notes
Puffy peonies and a glam grass
In the footsteps OF HEIDI
Discover Swiss spa town Bad Ragaz and the surrounding Alpine landscape, setting for the classic novel Heidi
Make-ahead PUDDINGS
Showstopping desserts for weekend entertaining
One pan FEASTS
In her new cookbook, Anna Jones shows how to whip up a meal with minimal fuss
Animal MAGIC
Three women reveal how they are using their much-loved animals to help others
Sensational sewing
With The Great British Sewing Bee back later this month, three women share their love of stitching