‘I’m in tip-top condition’
TV PRESENTER DAVINA MCCALL TALKS TO ADELINE IZIREN ABOUT STAYING FIT AND HEALTHY, HER MENOPAUSE JOURNEY – AND THE PUDDING SHE CAN’T REFUSE...
DAVINA McCall worked as a singer and model, before securing a role as a presenter on MTV in 1992. Her next big break was as a presenter of Streetmate, Channel 4’s dating reality show. Then from 2000, she hosted Channel 4’s reality show Big Brother for ten years.
Her recent TV credits include Channel 4’s Sex, Myths And The Menopause and now, alongside fellow TV presenter, Amanda Holden, she is a brand ambassador for JD Williams, the online fashion retailer. Davina and Amanda star in the company’s advertising campaign and have launched their own fashion collections. Davina’s collection features a range of stylish sportswear.
What do you do to stay fit and healthy?
I try of course to eat sensibly because you are what you eat. Sensible eating for me means foods such as granola with milk for breakfast, roast chicken with lettuce leaves and avocado for lunch and fish with vegetables for dinner. For a snack, I like home-made vegetable crisps. Exercise is obviously an important part of my day and just so good. I like running, boxing and spinning. Keeping myself motivated and strong is key for me.
What are your secret vices?
I have only got one horrific vice and that is sugar. My absolute can’t-refuse pudding would be banoffee pie, but I’m really trying to learn to love the dark chocolate.
How is your physical health?
It’s very good! I am in tip-top condition and definitely attribute that to food and exercise… also, not too much banoffee pie! I’m a brand ambassador for JD Williams and was so pleased to be able to launch a few pieces of fitness wear as part of the recent autumn edit, to support women who want to exercise.
Has your working life contributed to a healthier you?
My working life definitely keeps my body healthier, but my brain, too. The busier I am, the clearer my head is because I have to stay very organised and compartmentalise the different type of work ‘hats’ I have to wear. So, my working life helps to not just keep me busy and fit; it also keeps my brain fit.
What steps do you take to improve your mood?
One of them is spending time with my dog, who will listen to me. Well, she has to listen to me as she can’t tell me to shut up! We go for a walk and debrief about whatever
is bothering me! She is such a good girl. I love my dog! Other ways of improving my mood are through family time, connecting with friends, cuddling my cat and phoning a friend if I’m having a tough time. I will also watch reels on Instagram and videos of babies, puppies, and kittens.
Recently, you presented Channel 4’s Sex, Myths And The Menopause. What did you learn from the programme?
I learnt so much! There is so much misinformation out there on the menopause and we tried to uncover the truth, which was a hugely eye-opening experience.
The programme made me realise there’s a whole tribe of women out there who need support and there’s a lot of women on social media who are prepared to give it!
Is there a new series in the pipeline?
We are talking about that at the
moment because there is a lot more to tell and share, as well as more new information coming out about the menopause, women’s bodies and health, so hopefully we will do something next year.
Can you share anything about your own menopause journey, which I believe began when you were 44. How did you feel and how long did it last?
I am still on my menopause journey! It started a bit before I was 44 and I suppose the symptoms I really noticed included struggling to remember anything, feeling a bit worried about my brain fog and starting to feel very old in my movement and my skin, as well as hot flushes.
I did just think that after 18 months it would be OK as I thought I was too young for the menopause, but then after a while, I thought this is it and I have to just get on with it!
I went to see my doctor, who then sent me to a specialist about my options. He suggested HRT (hormone replacement therapy). I said I didn’t want to take it because it will give me cancer.
He explained this was not true, and there’s only a very small risk. Really? I thought. That’s not what I’d heard!
He told me some benefits of HRT, such as improving your mood and helping you to sleep better. I looked at the benefits in more detail, which outweighed the bad and decided to take HRT.
I didn’t tell anyone I was taking it, I kept it a secret. I’m still on HRT, which has made an enormous difference to how I live my life. But I find it frustrating that [as women] we have to pay for our prescriptions to replace the hormones we have. Yet [for men] Viagra is free.
A few years ago, I met Dr Louise Newson for a chat on World Menopause Day.
She was the most informative woman who spoke in such clear, labelled terms about medical things and has a complete understanding of the menopause.
She also explained why we shouldn’t be frightened of HRT. I thought, we need to get this message out everywhere and started sharing it online. Then, when I got asked to do the Channel 4 documentary on the menopause, I said YES, of course – it’s a public service! The rest is just history…
What advice would you give women who have started to go through the menopause?
I think the first thing to do is follow the menopause doctor (Dr Louise Newson) online, as she is the font of all knowledge.
Once you’ve followed, I am sure you will find many other activists to learn from. If you just want to learn what is happening to you, then you can also watch the documentary I did on Channel 4 called Sex, Myths, And The Menopause.
Finally, do a lot of your own research into the rest of the benefits on HRT because there’s a lot of misinformation out there and it will change your life!