The woman by Davina’s side: How star’s artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 – as she praises her following brain tumour surgery

The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery

As I delve into this heartwarming tale of resilience and love, I can’t help but be moved by Davina’s incredible journey. Her life, much like a rollercoaster ride, has been filled with highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations, but throughout it all, one constant remains – the unwavering support of her family, particularly her stepmother Gaby.


One constant support for Davina McCall throughout her life’s journeys has been her cherished stepmother.

To clarify, she acknowledges Gabrielle, the wife of her deceased father Andrew, as a source of ‘balance and strength’ in her life, particularly during periods when her bond with her mother Florence was challenging.

It seems especially true right now that the television personality is recovering, having undergone surgery to remove a harmless brain tumor about a week back.

On Instagram, Davina, aged 57, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for Gaby, praising her as an incredible pillar of support and fondly referring to her as a generous helping of Vitamin G. (In this context, “Vitamin G” represents the positive energy or influence that Gaby brings into Davina’s life.)

In a video message recorded from her bed, she expressed that Michael and her mom are providing exceptional care for her.

The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery

The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery
The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery

I’d like to take a moment to express my appreciation for all the step-moms out there. I often forget to show my gratitude to mine, Gabby, but she has been an incredible pillar of strength in my life throughout its entirety.

In a heartfelt manner, she expressed: ‘Yesterday, I conversed with someone, and I mentioned I received an enormous amount of Vitamin G. Whenever such events occur, I find myself feeling incredibly thankful. Gratitude has always been a part of me, and I’ve truly been fortunate throughout my life.’

However, I am incredibly thankful at this moment. Therefore, I want to express my gratitude to each one of you. I’m making progress, taking it easy, getting plenty of rest, and sleeping a lot. I’m feeling fantastic, truly blessed.

Gaby, a creative individual hailing from West London, entered the lives of Davina and her elder sister Caroline following her meeting with their father Andrew, when he was just six years old.

One friend of the star said: ‘Gaby and Davina are so close, it is lovely. Davina feels so blessed.’

Gabby has always been a constant presence in Davina’s life, their bond is incredibly strong. In fact, Gabby supported Davina not just as an adult, but even during her teenage years.

They have remained close since Andrew’s death in 2022 and she calls Gaby mum.

Davina, who hosts Long Lost Family, has long been full of praise for Gaby – who she calls Gabba.

2019 saw her acknowledging the significant role her stepmother played as a mother figure during her difficult childhood years, expressing gratitude and appreciation for her unwavering support.

The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery
The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery

Sharing a picture of Gaby, the host wrote: ‘Motherhood can take many forms. It doesn’t require a biological link.’

In my case, the woman who gave birth to me didn’t act as a mother towards me. However, two remarkable ladies stepped into those shoes – my grandmother, Pippy, and another woman. This woman, named Gaby, became my stepmother when I was just six years old.

As a stepmother, I face numerous hurdles… Yet, for me, being her source of steadfastness was particularly meaningful, given that my biological mother struggled with alcoholism.

The mother of three – Holly (age 22), Tilly (age 21), and Chester (age 17) – shared that she started experiencing difficulties shortly after relocating to live with Gabby and her father, Andrew, at the age of 13, describing this period as going astray or losing control.

At the age of 13, I moved in with Gabby and my father, and a few years after that, I began experiencing some difficulties and deviations from the norm.

She has been a constant, strong presence in my life, much like a sturdy rock. She brought our beautiful sister into the world and is an exceptional wife to my father, who is battling Alzheimer’s.

‘So Gaby, I’m so proud to call you mum. Thank you for everything. I love you.’

In her response to Davina’s post, Gaby shared that she has never been fond of being called a “step mom” as she has always considered herself more like “just your mom.

She wrote: ‘Thank you! I have never liked the title of ‘step mum’ because it doesn’t bring up the best of images, in life or in fiction. I’ve always felt like just your mum’.

Previously known as the host of Big Brother, Davina has been candid about her complex emotional bond with her birth mother, Florence. Following a chain of deceptions, such as leaking tales about Davina’s battles with substance abuse to the press, she chose to distance herself from Florence.

The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery
The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery
The woman by Davina's side: How star's artist stepmother Gaby McCall has been her rock since she moved in with her aged 13 - as she praises her following brain tumour surgery

In a discussion on Loose Women prior to her marriage with TV host Matthew Robertson, Davina recounted an instance where Florence’s behavior sparked whispers about her substance use habits.

Davina shared that she had mentioned the idea of selling stories, but her friend seemed unimpressed – and later, she found out her friend actually went ahead and did it again.

Ultimately, Davina decided to sever ties with her mother permanently.

She clarified that she wasn’t ‘mum bashing,’ but acknowledged Florence’s limitations: ‘My mum was an amazing mum, but she didn’t know how to behave on a human level.’

‘I don’t want to be a victim, nor be portrayed as one,’ Davina told the panel. 

‘If I can teach anyone anything [from my struggle], that will be a good thing.’

On Who Do You Think You Are?, Davina spoke about her past. Specifically, she mentioned that her mother left her when she was just three years old, and later got remarried four times before passing away in 2008.

For eight long years, they didn’t exchange a word. During an emotionally charged broadcast, the host of Big Brother openly expressed his belief that his mother might not have been suited to raise children.

Regardless, Davina prefers not to be perceived as a victim; instead, her goal is to impart any lessons she’s learned from her hardships, should it prove beneficial to others.

Whatever happens, she will have her stepmother by her side through it all.

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2024-11-27 05:07

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