Davina McCall will fight menopause misconceptions with new Channel 4 show

Time to talk about the menopause

Davina McCall, Yesterday - UK Premiere, Leicester Square, London, UK, 18 June 2019
(Image credit: Photo by Richard Goldschmidt / Alamy Stock Photo)

Davina McCall will fight menopause misconceptions as Channel 4 announces she will present a new program about the important subject. There was a time when menopause was a seemingly forbidden word, with not nearly enough said about the various stages of menopause. Despite many people needing menopause help or wanting to know that little bit more, the menopause has often been considered a somewhat taboo subject.

But not anymore, as presenter Davina McCall is set to dispel menopause myths in her new Channel 4 show, Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and The Menopause. Seeking to challenge people’s reluctance to speak about this natural life process, Davina will also be opening up on her own deeply personal menopause journey.

What will Davina McCall’s show be about?

Newly announced Channel 4 show Davina McCall: Sex, Myths and The Menopause will investigate the science that adds to our understanding of the menopause, as well as its impact on women’s health. Television star Davina, whose most recent appearance was as a judge on ITV’s The Masked Singer Season 2, has spoken out in the past about her menopause experience

Now the 60-minute one-off show will see her at her most honest, helping to dispel the shame and fear around hormone replacement therapy. 

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The program will also look at the misinformation and lack of understanding that still sadly exists surrounding the menopause. Alongside Davina’s experience will be the personal stories of other women from a variety of backgrounds, each of whom has lived through everything the menopause through at them. 

Ultimately, it’s hoped that the program will help initiate a candid conversation on a subject that is all too often not spoken about.

What has Davina McCall said about her new program?

Alongside the program announcement on the Channel 4 website, presenter Davina McCall has revealed how deeply invested and committed she is to this new show.

“I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a project that has affected me so deeply. I get home after filming and sometimes I just sit down and cry ... from deep frustration and anger at how we are failing women”, she said. “This film isn’t just for menopausal women, it’s for their partners, their fathers, their brothers, and their sons. We’re all in this together."

“I used to think that menopause was an age thing and now I realise it’s a woman thing. For far too long, there’s been a shroud of embarrassment, shame and fear around this topic, and this is where it stops!”

Davina’s powerful sentiments were echoed by Sarah Hey, commissioning executive, who said: “The menopause affects so many but remarkably is rarely discussed openly – I speak from experience!

“Through Davina’s blend of warmth and honesty about her own symptoms, the film sees women open up with such candidness about the impact the menopause has on their health, lifestyle and livelihood. Hopefully in turn it will encourage more women to do the same.”

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!