Television presenter Davina McCall has received candid dietary guidance from a leading food expert as she continues her recovery from breast cancer, prompting a wider discussion about nutrition and wellness after a diagnosis.
Reassessing Diet After a Health Scare
The 58-year-old star, who is set to return to the panel for ITV's The Masked Singer, spoke openly with entrepreneur and food writer Ella Woodward, known as Deliciously Ella, on her Begin Again podcast. McCall revealed that her breast cancer diagnosis in October last year led her to contemplate a complete overhaul of her eating habits, specifically considering a switch to "go organic everything".
This health challenge came roughly a year after McCall underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour. Throughout her treatment and recovery, the former Big Brother host has been vocal about her journey and how the experience has reshaped her perspective on life.
Expert Advice on Organic Food Myths
During their conversation, Ella Woodward responded to McCall's query about whether her organic commitment was "silly". Woodward advised against the pressure, stating, "It's not silly. It's just there's not huge evidence." She emphasised the high cost and potential for creating an unattainable ideal, concluding, "I would scrap it... if you feel you've got to do all of that, that comes back to making it just be like, it's not going to happen."
This viewpoint is supported by official health guidance. The NHS Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has explicitly addressed common misconceptions, noting that while organic foods are produced without synthetic pesticides, evidence on superior nutrient levels is inconsistent. Crucially, the Trust states: "There is no current evidence to suggest that organic produce can help reduce the risk of cancer more than non-organic." They stress that a varied diet rich in plant foods is far more important.
Lifestyle Changes and a New Balance
Beyond diet, Davina McCall's diagnosis has catalysed significant lifestyle changes. In an appearance on the Miss Me? podcast, she disclosed that she has reduced her working week to four days. McCall reflected that while change once frightened her, her health scare forced a vital reassessment of priorities.
"What has happened, actually, is that I have realised that all my really big growth has come from change," she shared. "The breast cancer, which I thought was a very, very frightening thing, made me realise that I really had to put that into place... I feel so much better now about my life and trying to get it more balanced."
Davina McCall's openness continues to highlight the personal and often complex journey of recovery, where well-meaning health trends are weighed against evidence-based medical advice and the fundamental need for a sustainable, balanced life.
