Davina McCall gets degree from Newcastle University days after daughter’s graduation

Davina McCall has declared she is “so chuffed” but also feels like a “fraud” having received a top honor from Newcastle University, just days after her daughter graduated after four years of studying.

A regular on our TV screens for well over two decades now, Davina is the presenter of countless hit shows like Big Brother, Popstars The Rivals and My Mum Your Dad, as well as being a panelist on ITV smash The Masked Singer. And now, as well as having a number of different awards under her belt, as well as millions of viewers tuning into every program she’s in charge of, Davina has now been given an honorary degree from the University, for the work she has done over the years to shine a spotlight on women’s health.

Davina has been awarded the title of Honorary Doctor of Civil Law at a ceremony in King’s Hall, having helped break down the stigma surrounding menopause in a series of acclaimed documentaries and used her platform to campaign for better support for women. Her book Menopausing was named Book of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2023.

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The students graduating from Newcastle University were watched by Davina as they each stood up to receive their own degrees, with the star more than happy to share the spotlight on a day that was special for many families.

Davina is not the only person in her family to receive a degree from Newcastle University during this summer’s congregations – her daughter graduated earlier this week.

Commenting on her own honor, as well as referencing all her daughter’s hard work, Davina said: “It really has been a great honor to get this degree. I feel a bit of a fraud, having seen how much work my daughter has put into her four year degree and I swan in and get one.”

She added: “But I am particularly chuffed that it is given to me for my work around women’s health. I will continue to raise awareness and campaign for education and more research for as long as I am breathing. I have rather fallen in love with Newcastle. Thank you so much.

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, said: “Davina has been instrumental in highlighting the issues faced by women going through menopause. “Her campaigning has led to increased awareness of these issues and sparked real change, including here in our Newcastle University community. We are delighted to recognize the hard work and achievements of both a mother and daughter in the same week.”