Davina McCall speaks out on career move after health ordeal ‘took control of her life’

Former Big Brother host and The Masked Singer panellist Davina McCall shared why now is the right time for her latest career move, an idea she first contemplated 20 years ago

Davina McCall has opened up about her latest career move, following a challenging year concerning her health. In November 2024, the presenter, who turns 58 today, announced that a colloid cyst had been discovered on her brain during a health check-up, related to her menopause advocacy work.

Thankfully, the benign tumour was detected early and successfully removed, and recent scans show no signs of recurrence.

During her health ordeal, Davina experienced short-term memory loss and expressed feelings of anger over the tumour “taking over her life”.

As she gradually got better over the months that followed, the presenter threw herself back into work which includes the release of her latest book, Birthing.

The book is aimed at supporting new mothers at every stage of pregnancy – a journey Davina knows well as a mother of three.

Sharing why she chose to focus on this subject later in life, The Masked Singer panellist shared: “So when I was actually birthing children, I really wanted to in some way help women then with their journey, because I found it such an extraordinarily weird day.

“I couldn’t write it then because I was Big Brother Davina and everyone was like, ‘Big Brother Davina writing about birth, well that’s weird’.

“But, after menopausing, everybody was like, ‘What would you like to write now?’ So, this is the book I’ve wanted to write for 20 years and I’ve been thinking about what it would be like, and in fact, menopausing was kind of birthing.”

Additionally, Davina said she has found joy in a whole new hobby.

“After I had my operation, music became really important to me, and I started having singing lessons every week,” she shared.

“The Masked Singer got me singing lessons and I thought, ‘I actually love this’, and after my operation, it helped me recover.

“I had singing lessons every week,” the newly engaged star added to Woman’s Weekly magazine.

While reflecting on her health ordeal last month, Davina issued a health update during her appearance on Loose Women.

Speaking to panellists, the presenter gleefully revealed that she was “feeling amazing,” though admitted she can’t “stop crying” due to the trauma.

She shared: “I think, it’s about a trauma. It was traumatic, the experience. I feel amazing now! I really do.

“I am so happy, I can’t believe I am here, with you, everything is a joy. Getting up in the morning, having a coffee. I’m still in the joys of it.

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“I want to put it behind me. I feel great. I want to stop crying! I want to stop,” she added.

Meghan Markle backed to finally strike gold as she ‘does fashion very well’

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Duchess and Duke of Sussex, are exploring new business avenues – both together and separately – following the end of their contract with Netflix

Meghan Markle has been backed to reinvent herself in the world of fashion because it is something she “does very well”.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was praised for her “first positive PR” in several years following her visit to Paris Fashion Week, where she was pictured modelling numbers by Balenciaga. She asked the label’s Creative Director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, if she could attend because of her huge admiration for him, one of the industry’s new kings.

And now critics believe the stunt will serve as a reminder to the couture industry that Meghan “is a power player” in the field. Jane Tippett, royal biographer and fashion commentator, said: “This was a trip to remind the world that she is a power player in the fashion world. The way she dressed and moved seemed to indicate that she had a real and new interest, it was like her baby shower without the royal criticism.

“Meghan really hasn’t landed on anything that has stuck yet, so perhaps fashion and beauty are the next step forward for her as it is something she does very well.”

READ MORE: Meghan Markle trialling new career venture as Netflix exclusive pact endsREAD MORE: Prince William showed ‘molten anger’ towards Meghan Markle claims with seven-word response

Both Meghan and Prince Harry are thought to be exploring new avenues following the end of their Netflix contract, which led to short-lived media appearances. Meghan has carried out a flurry of engagements recently, which one leading PR guru described as her way to introduce “Meghan 3.0.” They continued: “She’s on manoeuvres and looking for yet another relaunch.”

And fashion could offer the Duchess of Sussex this new platform, it is understood. The mum of two, who was an actress before meeting Harry, was snapped alongside the style world’s most powerful players at Paris Fashion Week. She donned immaculate tailoring including, for the Balenciaga show, a white, button-down tunic with a cape and matching slacks.

Speaking to the Daily Mail about Meghan’s attire at the functions, Ms Tippett continued: “She will be aware that brands are profiting from her appearances, so she will be thinking about how she can monetise them too.

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“Meghan is hidden for months and then there is a collection of hyper glamorous moments. A bombardment of appearances are yet another attempt to remind the world that she is a power player. She clearly wanted to be photographed, these were highly orchestrated moments of Meghan looking at her best.”

The Range’s ‘stunning’ £12 home decor ‘looks lovely in your kitchen’

The Range shoppers are loving the new product, with many saying they “need” to buy it

The Range customers are singing the praises of a “stunning” new piece of home decor that they’ve spotted online. For anyone looking to refresh their home’s style in the run-up to the festive season, The Range could have the perfect solution.

The homeware retailer took to Instagram to share its Glass Christmas Tree Jar, which costs £11.99. The tree-shaped glass jar comes in a green shade and is said to be “perfect for keeping trinkets.”

On Instagram, The Range said: “Truly TREEmendous. If you’re a fan of our tree jar from previous years, then this post is for you …” The video, originally posted by @the_abi_edit, showed the jars being filled with large candles.

The post racked up more than 1,500 likes and a number of comments from excited shoppers. Among them, one person said: “Omg I need them” and a second wrote: “Love these, beautiful video.”

A third shopper said: “Oh my god NEED” and another comment read: “These are stunning.” A fifth wrote: “Love these!!”

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The praise continued, with one shopper tagging a friend and writing: “Have you seen these? Would look lovely in your kitchen.” Someone replied: “They would look good!”

Another wrote: “Obsessed.” One more comment read: “Oh wow.”

The Range’s product description reads: “Celebrate the festive season in style with the Glass Christmas Tree Jar. Designed in the shape of a tree, this decorative jar brings a touch of elegance to any holiday setting.

“Practical and pretty, it’s perfect for storing ornaments or festive trinkets. Whether placed on a mantel, dining table, or shelf, this tree jar adds subtle sparkle and charm to your Christmas decor.”

The Glass Christmas Tree Jar can be purchased in-store and online at The Range. It retails for £11.99.

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Today’s horoscope for October 16 as Virgo will adapt to challenges like a duck takes to water

Today’s horoscope for October 16 sees one star sign told to avoid accepting an offer from an unreliable friend, while another will experience a romantic moment

It’s Thursday, October 16, and one star sign will adapt to anxiety-inducing challenges like a duck takes to water.

There are 12 zodiac signs – Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – and the horoscopes for each can give you the lowdown on what your future holds, be it in work, your love life, your friends and family or more.

These daily forecasts have been compiled by astrologer Russell Grant, who has been reading star signs for over 50 years. From Aries through to Pisces, here’s what today could bring for your horoscope – and what you can do to be prepared.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Think about setting up a calming bedtime routine. Avoid screens for at least an hour before you go to bed. Listen to gentle music. Make your sleeping space more comfortable. Before long you will find yourself peacefully drifting off to sleep at night.

Taurus (Apr 21 – May 21)

A shortage of opportunities in your current field might lead you to rethink your choices. Transitioning to a fast-growing industry could present an exciting challenge. Think about attending seminars and workshops and this will enable you to select from a range of profitable projects.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

A romantic experience will make you feel as if you are walking on air. It will be a delight to share special moments with someone who understands you through and through. If you are single, you might meet someone special at a luxury restaurant, in a beautiful garden or at a high-end boutique.

Cancer (June 22 – July 23)

Even if you don’t exercise a lot, today you just want to get your body moving. Some physical activity will motivate you to be more active. Whether this means walking to the shops instead of driving or taking an evening stroll, you will feel a difference both in your mental and physical health.

Leo (July 24 – Aug 23)

A new friend who is practical and sensible will have a lot of influence. You are being encouraged to make more time for the little things in life that are inexpensive but mean a lot. It would be good too, to plan a leisurely day soon when you can reconnect with friends and family you haven’t seen for a while.

Virgo (Aug 24 – Sept 23)

You could find yourself in a new and unfamiliar environment and you are being expected to think on your feet. Usually such scenarios cause you anxiety. This time will be different. You will adapt to these challenges like a duck takes to water. A promotion is on the horizon.

Libra (Sept 24 – Oct 23)

A new work assignment or volunteer opportunity will pave the way to love if you are single. You may not be keen on a favour someone asks of you but remember: every cloud has a silver lining. Are you in a relationship? If so, your amour will give you a special symbol of their affection.

Scorpio (Oct 24 – Nov 22)

Someone is trying to control the time you spend on fun and relaxation. You aren’t impressed by the way a partner or close friend seems to think that their needs should be a priority. Could there be a hint of insecurity or jealousy that is driving them to act this way?

Sagittarius (Nov 23 – Dec 21)

Make the most of the harmonious atmosphere around you to nurture relationships and bond with friends and loved ones. Conversations will prompt you to think about the advantages and disadvantages of your commitments whether this is working with others on a job project or in a romantic context.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 20)

Exciting events behind the scenes will make you pleased you chose to stay out of the limelight. This could be something you have been planning for a while or you will be on the receiving end of a surprise from someone else. Whatever happens, it will enhance your reputation and lead to financial gain.

Aquarius (Jan 21 – Feb 19)

Pursuing a new interest or course of study can improve your job prospects. Although committing to a rigorous study program may demand some short-term sacrifices, these will feel quite insignificant once you complete the course and realise the rewards.

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Pisces (Feb 20 – Mar 20)

Avoid accepting an offer from an unreliable friend to help you with an important task. It would be better to find someone more trustworthy to complete this job. If you’re looking for a professional but uncertain about who to reach out to, consider asking for suggestions on social media.

READ MORE: ‘I can’t believe the £40 Tu Sainsbury’s coat that could pass for designer is still in stock’

YouTube says it has restored service after global streaming disruptions

YouTube says it has resolved problems with its website and app after hundreds of thousands of users worldwide self-reported issues with its streaming services.

“This issue has been fixed – you should now be able to play videos on YouTube, YouTube Music, and YouTube TV!” YouTube wrote on X on Thursday morning in Asia.

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YouTube did not disclose why users reported problems streaming videos for about 60 minutes on Thursday morning, or the global extent of the problem.

Disruptions began just before 7am in East Asia (23:00 GMT, Wednesday) for YouTube, YouTube Music and YouTube TV, according to Downdetector, a website that aggregates website disruptions in real time.

Users from Asia to Europe and North America soon reported problems streaming, accessing the website, and using the apps of YouTube and its affiliates, though error reports were most heavily concentrated in the US, according to Downdetector’s user-generated error map.

Major disruptions were also reported in Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom, although the extent of the problem is unknown because Downdetector data is based on user-submitted reports and social media.

The number of error reports peaked at 393,038 reports in the US at 7:57am (23:57 GMT) before falling off sharply, according to Downdetector data.

Kim Kardashian details the ‘final straw’ that ended her marriage to Kanye West

Kim Kardashian divorced Kanye West in 2022 after an eight-year marriage, during which time the media personality gave birth to his four children, including 12-year-old North

Kim Kardashian said the “final straw” that ended her marriage to Kanye West was feeling “emotionally and financially unsafe”.

The socialite, 44, has described how she constantly felt on edge due to Kanye’s erratic behaviour, including allegedly giving away five of their Lamborghinis during a mental health “episode”. Kim became so concerned for her own safety she filed for divorce, which became official in 2022.

Speaking on a podcast today, the media personality said: “You never know what you’re going to get when you wake up, and that’s a really unsettling feeling.” Host Alex Cooper asked Kim what the “final straw” was in her decision to end her marriage, to which Kim said a “lack of stability” was a major factor in her call.

But she and Kanye, 48, maintain “a great healthy relationship” despite the divorce, and they share four children; North, 12, nine-year-old Saint, Chicago, seven, and Psalm, who is six.

READ MORE: Kris Jenner shows off new look as Kim Kardashian copies her signature hairstyleREAD MORE: Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori teases new project away from controversial husband

Kim and Kanye’s relationship was also strained by the musician “airing out a lot of personal stuff”, alluding to the time he publicly revealed the pair had considered an abortion after falling pregnant with their first child.

“I didn’t like the feeling of someone talking bad about my kids, grandmother, aunts – all of those feelings. If someone feels that way, then we shouldn’t be together,” Kim added during the interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast.

The socialite wed Kanye, a longime friend, in May 2014, around one year after her divorce to then professional basketballer Kris Humphries was legalised. She stressed her second divorce was particularly tough because Kanye, who has won 24 Grammys, introduced her to the huge fashion and art realms.

But since then, her career has continued to flourish with more films and TV shows to her name, including a regular role in American Horror Story: Delicate and appearances in numerous international magazines.

The mum of four, born in Los Angeles, California, added: “Some of my biggest projects came about after I made that decision (the divorce). It was the universe rewarding me and showing me that I was moving in the right direction.”

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The reality TV star claimed someone “extremely close” to her “put a hit out” in the trailer for series seven of The Kardashians, in which she stars alongside her mother Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney Kardashian Barker, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner.