Davina McCall: "I've learnt to become more gentle on myself in midlife"

At 56, Davina McCall seems to have entered her work-life prime. She recently received an MBE for services to broadcasting, she has returned for a fifth series of ITV1’s Masked Singer and she's enjoying a new role as an ambassador for the ZOE personalised nutrition company.

Meanwhile, life at home in Tunbridge Wells has undergone some changes. Davina’s partner of four years, hairdresser Michael Douglas, has moved in with her, while her younger daughter, Tilly, 20, has recently flown the nest for Australia. Davina is also mum to Holly, 22, and Chester, 17.

In an exclusive interview in Good Housekeeping's February issue, Davina opened up about the joy she's experiencing in midlife and her shock at receiving her MBE.

'You see other people who are teachers or athletes getting MBEs after doing something amazing. I'm an entertainment TV presenter and I didn't mind that I was never going to get one,' she says.

'But I guess I was given it because of all the menopause stuff l've done. I wasn't the first to speak about the topic; I'm one of several women, including Kirsty Wark and Mariella Frostrup, who have done so. But I think the time was right when my documentary came out in 2021.'

The menopause warrior revealed her secrets to feeling her best and the difference getting fitter has made to her life.

'Page one of longevity and mental health is exercise. I exercise three or four times a week for a minimum of half an hour, but no more than 40 minutes because I don't have time,' she says.

'I don't work with a trainer. I just go on my platform, Own Your Goals Davina, and look for a boxing class or a barre class, depending on what I'm in the mood for. I never realised how good being fit felt until now.'

Now an ambassador for the ZOE personalised nutrition company, she explained that she's learnt to go easier on herself over the years.

'I'm quite often all or nothing as a person. I haven’t had a drink in 33 years. I've spent my life being quite rigid with myself. When my sister died 10 years ago, I literally stopped eating sugar. But that was unsustainable and now, in midlife, I’ve become a little bit more gentle with myself. Now I eat fruit, and for breakfast I have granola with kefir.”

The fitness guru also gave us an insight into her latest midlife mission.

'I’ve spent the past seven years talking about a lingerie brand for post-baby bodies, and I’m finally launching it,' she says.

'I get a bit teary when I talk about this because when I felt really invisible and went into shops to buy underwear, I thought, "What’s on offer is the plainest, most neutral, depressing big pants. You’re going to give me the menopause and really dull underwear?" I decided no, I’m not doing it. So, in February, I’m launching a new brand Sessi – a mixture of sexy and sassy, which is how I want people to feel.'

We can't wait to get our hands on it!

Davina McCall is a member of and brand ambassador for thepersonalised nutrition company ZOE. Catch Davina on the new series of Masked Singer, airing on ITV1 and ITVX.

The February issue of Good Housekeeping is now on sale.