A SURGEON has revealed how removing a cyst from Davina McCall’s brain was like “detonating a bomb”.

Davina was diagnosed with a benign but very rare tumour purely by chance after being offered a health scan.

Instagram/@davinamccall

Davina McCall with her neurosurgen Kevin O’Neill (left) and husband Michael Douglas (right)[/caption]

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The TV star was recovering from surgery last year[/caption]

The 57-year-old TV presenter then underwent an invasive operation in November for the benign brain tumour.

Davina — mum to Holly, 23, Tilly, 21, and Chester, 18, from her former marriage to TV presenter Matthew Robertson — sought further medical advice before opting for a craniotomy.

Surgeon Kevin O’Neill successfully opened up her skull and spent five hours removing the 14mm colloid cyst.

Recalling his expert surgery, O’Neill likened the operation to “defusing a bomb”.

He told the Times: “The operation was like a layer cake: scalp, then the skull, then the journey down into the centre of the brain.

“Step by step getting closer to the actual end point of getting the cyst out.

“Like defusing a bomb, you cut one wire, then down into the next bit, cut that wire, then you get to the last wire, the 14mm cyst, and you’re thinking, ‘S***!’

“Luckily for Davina, that last wire was fine. I got it out.”

Davina had attributed many of her symptoms to menopause including fogginess and an inability to remember.

However, she now thinks were symptoms of the cyst sitting on her short-term memory pathway. 

Benign brain tumours can often be slow growing and may not cause symptoms at first.

But just like Davina, people may develop headaches, drowsiness and vision problems as the tumour increases in size and exerts pressure on the brain.

When symptoms occur, it’s because the tumour is putting pressure on the brain and preventing a specific area of the brain from working properly.

Hearing problems and feeling very tired and lethargic are also signs of a brain tumour.

Feeling hungry or gaining weight can also be indicators.

Symptoms caused by a benign brain tumour tend to depend on its size and where it is in the brain.

According to the NHS, tumours growing in the frontal lobe – the front part of the brain – may cause changes in personality, weakness in one side of the body or loss of smell.

If it grows in the brain’s left and right sides – known as the temporal lobe – you may experience memory, language problems or seizures.

A tumour in the parietal lobe could result in numbness or weakness in one side of the body and co-ordination problems, while one in the
occipital lobe may cause loss of vision on one side of the visual field.

Meanwhile, a growth in the cerebellum may cause balance problems flickering of the eyes and vomiting, but one in the brain stem – may cause unsteadiness and difficulty walking, facial weakness, double vision and difficulty speaking.

Davina shared that she was in “good spirits” before her op and asked asked fans to “say a prayer for me”.

But she stressed that they didn’t need to worry about her as she was in good hands.

Her partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas, appeared in the video alongside the TV host and it was he who shared the video to her Instagram page.

Davina later showed off the scar from her operation as her hairdresser partner Michael Douglas cut her hair.

The presenter previously opened up about her experience as she attended an event at All Saints Church, Fulham to support her neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill.

She said: “I know lots of you here are on your own brain tumour journey and many of you have lost loved ones to a brain tumour.

“I lost my sister to a brain tumour in 2012 and my ex-father-in-law a year ago.”

ELZ the Witch first rose to fame on YouTube and her popularity shows no signs of slowing down.

The star is well-known for her work in the world of gaming, but who is she? Here’s everything you need to know.

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Elz the Witch found fame through gaming[/caption]

Social media sensation

Elz the Witch, whose real name is Eleanor, enjoyed her first taste of social media success after kickstarting her gaming career.

The YouTuber is known for providing commentary with her clips while playing popular games such as The Sims and Fortnite.

Since starting on social media, Elz the Witch has amassed a large following with over 200,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel to date.

She also has an Instagram account, and like many social media stars, she is also an active user on TikTok.

Sidemen charity match

If you’re a fan of YouTube, it’s more than likely you’ve come across the Sidemen – a group consisting of influencers and internet personalities.

When the Sidemen members are not creating content, they’re taking part in charity events, and there’s one just around the corner.

The Sidemen are set to take on the YouTube Allstars and currently hold a 4-1 record in five matches, ranging back to 2016.

In March 2025, it was confirmed that Elz the Witch will co-host the next Sidemen charity football match, which will take place on March 8 at Wembley Stadium.

The YouTuber will be hosting the event alongside Munya Chawawa, and it’s not her first time taking on the role.

In 2023, Elz the Witch shared a selection of vlogs and behind-the-scenes clips as she hosted the charity event.

More on Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars

In previous years, the match has been shown via a live stream on the Sidemen YouTube channel, and this year is expected to be no different.

SunSport will also blog all the action as it happens.

For Sidemen FC, YouTuber Calfreezy will be in the dugout, and for YouTube Allstars TheBurntChip will be in the dugout.

Other names for Sidemen FC include Olajide Olatunji aka KSI, Simon Minter aka Miniminter, and Tobi Brown aka TBJZL.

For YouTube Allstars, IShowSpeed and Danny Aarons will both be playing.

For a full list of players, take a look at our Sidemen Charity Match 2025 explainer.

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Elz the Witch has a large social media following[/caption]

JACQUELINE Jossa has finally sold her six-bedroom mansion after slashing six figures off the asking price.

Despite denying her marriage to Dan Osborne, 33, is on the rocks, the couple are upping sticks from their £2million “forever home” following three years of renovations.

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Jacqueline Jossa has finally sold her six-bedroom mansion[/caption]

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She denies her marriage to Dan Osborne is on the rocks[/caption]

Instagram

The property has been snapped up by a myster buyer for £1,599,950 – a hefty £500k less than originally advertised[/caption]

According to a Rightmove listing, the property has been snapped up by a myster buyer for £1,599,950 – a hefty £500k less than originally advertised.

Mystery surrounds the couple’s decision to re-locate with their daughters, Ella, nine, and Mia, aged five, as well as Dan‘s son Teddy, aged 10.

When the family picked up the keys to their “forever home” in March 2021, EastEnders actress Jacqueline, 32, was quick to show off the space.

She gushed over their “cosy living space” and the carpet, which she hailed a “dream come true.”

At the time, she said of the Essex pad: “So, we are in the new house and a lot needs to be done.”

The Lauren Branning star also told how the six-bed pad would will be a fresh start for her family.

In her caption for an image showing her holding her house keys she put: “

Jacqueline wrote alongside her photos: “WE GOT THE KEYS.

“We have waited a while but we picked up the keys to our forever home.

“It needs some tender loving care, a lick of paint and some tweaks. I love, love, love it so much. I’m so proud.”

She signed off her post: “NEW BEGINNINGS!!!.”

A source recently told MailOnline of their plans to jump ship from the massive abode, which also includes a cinema room, walk-in wardrobe, summer house and a huge garden.

They told the publication: “Jacqueline and Dan purchased their home four years ago now and have spent a considerable amount of time and money improving the property.

“A lot of love has gone into their home renovations and now they’re hoping to reap the rewards and sell for a profit.

“They have found a new house which they have fallen in love with and can’t wait to make new memories together as a family.”

The soap favourite has previously revealed before-and-after images of her kitchen renovation.

The space was transformed into open plan living while, outside, bulldozers ripped up the garden.

Meanwhile, the lovebirds celebrated an epic painting job with a huge snog.

Prior to her I’m A Celebrity win, she told The Sam and Billie Show, she was open about her cash woes after her soap exit.

She talked of selling her former home and added: “There’s been times where I haven’t had money.

“Before I went in the jungle I was struggling with money. I had to sell my house.

“And then I went in the jungle and had amazing opportunities, so I would never ever ever look at somebody and say, ‘They’re not hustling enough’.

“You have to do it.”

She was crowned jungle queen on I’m A Celebrity in 2019 and since then, has struck money-making deals with In The Style and Hot Diamonds amongst other brands.

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When the family picked up the keys in March 2021, Jacqueline was quick to show off the space[/caption]

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It follows three years of renovations on their “forever home”[/caption]

Instagram/@homewiththeosbornes

The massive abode includes a summer house and huge garden[/caption]

Instagram/homewiththeosbornes

The couple are seen with their daughters, Ella, nine, and Mia, aged five, as well as Dan’s son Teddy, aged 10[/caption]

ROMELU LUKAKU has opened up about his Chelsea departure, admitting he was completely frozen out of the squad.

The 31-year-old joined Chelsea in a huge £97.5million transfer from Inter Milan back in 2021 – seven years after initially leaving Stamford Bridge.

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Romelu Lukaku has opened up about his Chelsea exit[/caption]

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The striker now plays for Napoli having completed a permanent move last summer[/caption]

After a promising start, his form began to drop and Lukaku quickly fell out of favour as a result of a bombshell interview whereby he revealed he was unhappy.

He was subsequently sent out on two successive loan spells before completing a permanent transfer to Napoli for £38m.

Now, seven months on from his exit, Lukaku has opened up about what happened in his final months in West London.

The Belgium international told Corriere dello Sport: “I wasn’t alone at Chelsea. Aubameyang and Ziyech were also out of the project. 

“They made us change in the youth locker room. It’s business, the club tells you it doesn’t want you anymore and often also where you’ll end up.

“But if you want to leave, even for serious reasons, you don’t have the option. They drag it out until the last moment, they wear you down. 

“Clubs have relationships with the media, and it doesn’t take much to put a player in a difficult position or create the wrong image. 

“Believe me, I’ve seen things I never thought I would. One day, I’d like to explain all of this to younger players, who is really working for them and who is working against them.”

The striker also claimed that he was misinterpreted by fans and pundits during his time at Stamford Bridge.

He continued: “In England they had the wrong idea. For them I was lazy, but I never reacted to the attacks.

“I am someone who does his job and then goes home. 

“In Italy the opinion has been reversed, here I am a worker. Now I am better than when I was at Inter.”

Lukaku has scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 27 appearances for Napoli so far this season.

SPAIN is a firm favourite for Brits chasing sun, sea and sangria – but being branded by locals as a ‘guiri’ is easily done.

Pronounced ‘guee-ree’, the word is like a code used by Spanish people as a light-hearted nickname – or to poke fun at foreigners who stand out like a sore thumb.

Lee Bell

I go to Spain as often as once a month and always see Brits making the same mistake[/caption]

And with the latest spate of anti-tourist fury spreading across the country, it might be best going under the radar. 

I visit Spain every other month, so here are seven classic mistakes Brits make in the country that locals love to laugh about. Avoid these, and you might just dodge the water pistols.

Only visiting in summer 

Many British tourists wait until the summer months for the mercury to hit peak temperatures before going to Spain.

But visiting during winter can be just as fun. 

While the weather is much cooler, chances are you will still see plenty of sunshine, giving you a much-needed winter dose of vitamin D. Plus, there’s likely to be far fewer tourists around, making you feel more like a local.

That’s as long as you’re not seen wearing shorts and flip-flops, even when it’s only 16 degrees. That’s one big guiri giveaway.

Expecting everyone to speak English 

Nothing screams guiri louder than assuming everyone in Spain speaks English – and getting annoyed when they don’t.

While you’ll get by with English in touristy spots, not all Spanish speak fluent, English. Plus, locals appreciate it when visitors make even a small effort. A simple “hola” or “gracias” can go a long way.

Hitting the beach at midday

For Brits, the idea of sunbathing in full sun at noon feels like a must, but in Spain, it’s a rookie move.

Locals avoid the beach during the scorching midday hours, leaving the sunniest (and sweatiest) hours to the guiris.

By the evening, you’ll see them strolling past with amused looks as tourists nurse glowing red sunburns – another classic guiri stereotype.

The secret to surviving Spain’s beaches? Get there early in the morning and leave before midday, or head over late afternoon like the locals do. 

You’ll enjoy cooler sand and fewer crowds – plus, you won’t need to bathe in aloe vera before dinner. 

Lee Bell - Supplied

Skip the beaches at midday and visit in the evening instead[/caption]

Skipping local fiestas for tourist bars

Spain is known for its world-class festivals – think Sevilla’s famous Feria or Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls.

But instead of embracing these once-in-a-lifetime events, a lot of tourists skip them in favour of another pint at a British or Irish-themed pubs.

Fiestas are where locals let loose, with live music, dancing and incredible food. It’s the perfect chance to soak up the culture and look and feel like someone from Spain.

Mistaking paella as an all-day dish

Brits abroad love ordering paella, but they often get it wrong.

Ask any Spanish person, and they’ll be keen to tell you that paella isn’t a dinner food – it’s a lunchtime tradition, ideally eaten in the sunshine by the coast.

A lot of tourists make the mistake of ordering it in the evening, only to be served reheated leftovers at touristy restaurants.

For the best, most local experience, head to a restaurant around 2pm (Spanish lunchtime) when ordering paella. To drink, skip the sangria and pair it with a small draft beer (called a caña) or glass of dry white wine (vino blanco seco). Locals will respect the effort.

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Paella isn’t a dinner food, according to locals[/caption]

Treating siesta time like a myth

Think everything runs all day in Spain? Not a chance. Siesta might not be the standard in bigger Spanish cities but outside the big tourist spots, siesta is serious business.

From about 2pm to 5pm, smaller shops and restaurants shut up shop, leaving tourists to wander around baffled by the locked doors.

It’s not laziness – it’s about dodging the worst of the afternoon heat. Locals use this time to rest, eat a long lunch, or simply stay indoors.

To blend in, plan your big meals and shopping trips outside these hours or enjoy a nap yourself – you’re on holiday, after all.

Misjudging the dress code

Brits are often too quick to shed layers when they see sunshine but in Spain, locals dress for the season, not the temperature.

This means you’re likely to see locals wearing jackets, scarves and long sleeves in winter months, even on a sunny day. Guiris, on the other hand, are known for wearing flip-flops, football tops or barely-there shorts the moment the mercury hits double digits.

Another thing Brits are known for by the Spanish, is wearing swimwear away from the beach.

Strolling through a Spanish town in bikinis or trunks might feel carefree, but to locals, it’s a sign of bad manners.

Walking into a café or shop half-dressed could make you look like a guiri who didn’t get the memo.

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Keep the bikini to the beaches[/caption]

Turning up to dinner too early

If you’re hungry at 6pm, forget about finding locals sitting down for dinner.

In Spain, dinner is a late-night ritual, usually starting at 9pm or later.

Tourists who turn up early are usually left sitting in an empty restaurant.

Spaniards take their time, enjoying lighter snacks or drinks in during late afternoon (something they call “Merienda”) before heading out for a proper meal later on.

If you want to blend in and feel like you’re part of the party, adjust to the local schedule and enjoy Spain’s late-night dining scene. 

Being loud in public spaces

Whether it’s shouting across the bar, yelling at the football on TV, or singing in the streets after a few too many beers, Brits abroad have a reputation for being loud.

In Spain, locals value a more laid-back, social vibe – even in lively places like tapas bars or markets.

If you want to avoid the guiri label, or getting eyed by locals, you might be worth keeping the volume down.

If you want to avoid being branded a guiri by locals, just dodge doing the above – you’ll blend in in no time.

Here are some of my other tips on avoiding Barcelona tourist traps and looking more like a local while visiting the city.

And I’ve also explained how to save money while visiting Spain’s most popular city if you’re looking to do it on a budget.

Lee Bell - Supplied

Follow the rules and you will be back in good graces with Spaniards[/caption]

SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.

Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football broadcaster Kweku Afari and Betfair betting expert Sam Rosbottom.

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Arsenal take on Manchester United in the weekend’s biggest game[/caption]

This week the panel gave their thoughts on how punters could make the most of the weekend’s biggest Premier League fixture, Manchester United vs Arsenal, and the bottom of the table scrap between Wolves and Everton.

While they also weighed in on the Six Nations action and the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown.

Check out all our best bets for the weekend below, in association with Betfair.

Manchester United vs Arsenal

Kewku Afari: Arsenal to win & over 2.5 goals – 21/10

“If you look at Arsenal team, they’re strange when it comes to results.

“Sometimes they can’t hit a barn door with banjo and sometimes, as we saw a midweek against PSV, they can put multiple goals in against the opposition.

“I’m looking Manchester United here, and in six of their last seven games at Old Trafford the opposition has scored at least two goals.

“And so I’m looking at them defensively. I’m looking at them in terms of Andre Onana the way that he doesn’t fill the fans of confidence.

“They’re a team that do leak goals, especially at home.”

Will Pugh: Mikel Merino to score first – 13/2

“Merino’s got three goals in his last four appearances and notched one of the seven at PSV, didn’t he? and got two off the bench in that sort of striker debut [vs Leicester].

“But as well as the Merino stats, since the weekend of Ruben Amorim‘s first game in charge, only Leicester (13) have conceded the opening goal in more Premier League games than Manchester United, who have gone 1-0 down 12 times.

“While Arsenal have scored in each of their last 10 Premier League away games against Manchester United.

“They have 13 goals in those 10 games, having only managed to score 10 in their first 22 visits to Old Trafford.”

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Mikel Merino has scored three goals in four games since stepping in as Arsenal’s makeshift centre-forward[/caption]

Sam Rosbottom: Arsenal HT/Draw FT – 12/1

“I don’t think Arsenal are going to win this game. You have to go back to December 1 to find the last time Manchester United won a first half, that was against Everton at Old Trafford.

“But they have won the second half in 8 of their last 11 matches.

“The stats show that Manchester United are turning into a second half team”.

Wolves vs Everton

Kewku Afari: Beto to score anytime – 21/10

“He’s scored five goals in his last five Premier League games. That’s more than his previous 44 games, which is… unbelievable.

“And in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he’s been very, very important. So they are relying on Beto.

“Also, in his last five Premier League matches, he’s had two or more shots on target. So I expect him to come to the fore for Everton this weekend.”

Will Pugh: Jorgen Strand Larsen to 2+ shots on target – 11/4

“Jorgen Strand Larsen has been targeted by passes in the box 85 times this season, which is the most of any player in the Premier League.

“While only Dominic Solanke has made more forward runs into the opposition penalty box at 237 than Strand-Larsen has – he’s really a focal point for Wolves.

“I think Strand-Larsen has been doing some good work and he’s a real asset to them”.

Sam Rosbottom: Jack Harrison 1+ shot on target – 6/4

“Jack Harrison has been very unfortunate. He has an unwanted record.

“He’s got the highest expected goals total of any player yet to score in the Premier League this season at 2.9xG – meaning he should have scored three times.

“I’m not actually going to go with him to score though, but I do think there’s value in him to have a shot on target.

“He’s had seven shots in his last six games and we just need one of them to be on target this weekend.”

Rex

Jack Harrison is due a goal this season[/caption]

England vs Italy – Six Nations

Sam Rosbottom: Italy +16 – 2/1

“England are absolutely massive favourites against Italy, but we laugh about how tight England games have been.

“And Italy, so far this tournament aren’t the whipping boys that they usually are. Wales are the whipping boys, not Italy.

“So I’m looking at the handicap market here and I think there’s an opportunity to get Italy on side at plus 16 which is 2-1.

“So essentially, England can win the game But if they win by a margin smaller than 16 points then we win the bet.”

“I don’t think it’s going to be tight, obviously because England should do the business, but I don’t think it’s going to be as big a gap as everybody’s anticipating here.”

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England are strong favourites to beat Italy this weekend[/caption]

Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown

Sam Rosbottom: Go Dante – 11/2, Bo Zenith – 11/2, Lump Sum – 8/1 and Knickerbockerglory e/w – 14/1

“Obviously, lots of movement already in the market following the news that last year’s winner, Go Dante, was 25/1.

“There’s been a big gamble on him, now backed into joint favour at 11/2, now joint favourite along with Bo Zenith.

“Lump Sum, who was the favourite, moving the other way, was 5/1, now 8/1.

“There’s a horse in here that I quite fancy for each way for five places at 14/1 – Knickerbockerglory.

“I think that’s a SWEET each way shout”.

Rex

Go Dante has seen its odds drop massively[/caption]

ERLING HAALAND has clocked the fastest speed in the Champions League this season.

And the 24-year-old’s under the radar Manchester City team-mate hit the same pace as Real Madrid speedster Kylian Mbappe.

But Mbappe won where it counts after bagging a hat-trick in City’s second leg visit to the Bernabeu in the round-of-16 play-offs.

And Haaland wasn’t fit enough to play as Madrid beat Pep Guardiola’s side 6-3 on aggregate and knocked them out of Europe.

It was not a European campaign to remember for the Prem champions, but some of City’s players still caught the eye with their pace.

Haaland reached a top speed of 36.9 kmh (22.9mph), making him the quickest player in Europe‘s elite club competition.

The Norwegian striker is known for racing past defenders, so his ranking may not surprise many fans.

But it is somewhat of a shock to see his team-mate Matheus Nunes placing fourth on the list (22.6mph).

Nunes started six of City’s 10 Champions League games and clocked the same speed as Mbappe.

The midfielder is just behind Paris Saint-Germain right back Achraf Hakimi (22.7mph) who comes in second.

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While Brest’s Mama Balde (22.4mph) completes the top five.

Hakimi played a full 90 minutes for the French champions as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday.

PSG defied the odds and penned Arne Slot’s side back for most of the game, registering 29 shots to Liverpool‘s two.

But Alisson’s heroic performance of nine outstanding saves was rewarded by Harvey Elliot’s late smash-and-grab winner.

Mbappe fared much better as Real beat city rivals Atletico 2-1 to ensure they have a slim advantage heading into the second leg at the Metropolitano.

January signing Abduqodir Khusanov (22.1mph) was the third City player to make up the top 10.

City spent £33m to sign Khusanov from Ligue 1 outfit Lens at the start of the year.

There is still plenty of time for these numbers to change as teams enter the business end of the Champions League over the coming weeks.

The return legs of the round-of-16 ties will be played next week.

Marvel Rivals has been on a roll lately, surpassing player counts and expectations. The free-to-play hero shooter from NetEase Games does a lot of things right, but a few issues seem to creep up from time to time. In particular, Rivals’ hero balancing is a major sore point for its player base, and any seasoned […]

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Hollywood’s entertainment industry has been the hub of quite a few fiascos over the course of the decades, catching a lot of people in affairs they should have not been involved in the first place. Surprisingly enough, the list of names for the same included the names of Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, and even Jon […]

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The Minnesota governor appeared to struggle when he was asked the pointed question during a CNN interview this week.