'I don’t see myself as a victim': Former heroin addict Davina McCall reflects on her 'tough' past as she admits some good has come out of her mistakes

By Rebecca Lawrence For Mailonline

Published: 05:16 EST, 8 November 2016 | Updated: 08:31 EST, 8 November 2016

She's spoken publicly about her strained family life and struggle with drink and drug addiction. 

But Davina McCall has claimed that not all of her flaws were a source of regret as she reasoned: 'I am who I am because of the mistakes I've made.'

Speaking on ITV's Lorraine on Tuesday, the 49-year-old presenter reflected on her troubled past, but insisted the key to a healthy and happy life was moving forward and refusing to dwell on your mistakes. 

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'They made me who I am': She's spoken publicly about her strained family life and struggle with drug addiction, but Davina McCall has claimed that not all of her mistakes are regrets

She explained: 'A lot of people picked up on those tough times... a problem doesn’t have to be the end of your life or make you a victim.

'I've been through a lot in life but I don’t see myself as a victim - I'm a very positive person - it's about shedding that weight.' 

Discussing her new book, Lessons I've Learned - which chronicles her highs and lows in life - she quipped to Lorraine Kelly: 'There’s some tips about saving marriage which miraculously we've done in showbusinesses!' 

Moving forward: The 49-year-old presenter reflected on her troubled past, but insisted the key to a healthy and happy life was moving forward and refusing to dwell on your mistakes

She also spoke of her half-sister Caroline Baday died from cancer in 2012, as she admitted: 'I’ve learnt lessons through my sister and her illness and amazing journey.' 

Davina began taking drugs when she was a teenager and, by her 20s was an addict, previously describing heroin as her 'drug of choice'.

The Million Pound Drop host, who chooses not to drink in case it leads to drug use, also had a turbulent relationship with her mother, Florence Kock, who as well struggled with addiction.

'Relieved': The Million Pound Drop host, who chooses not to drink in case it leads to drug use, also had a turbulent relationship with her mother, Florence Kock, who struggled with drugs

Back on track: Davina began taking drugs when she was a teenager and, by her 20s was an addict, previously describing heroin as her 'drug of choice' 

Bucking the trend: Discussing her new book - which chronicles her highs and lows in life - she expressed her shock to Lorraine Kelly that they've both managed to stay married

Moving on: Davina - who shares three children with Matthew Robertson - chose not to visit her mother Florence before her death nor attend the funeral

Davina - who shares three children with Matthew Robertson - chose not to visit Florence before her death nor attend the funeral, and has admitted to feeling a sense of 'relief' when her mother died. 

During her appearance on Lorraine, Davina also spoke not just about emotional scars but physical ones, as she revealed the contestants on next year's series of The Jump will receive far more training.

The most recent series saw seven of the 12 contestants forced to withdraw due to injury, with Beth Tweddle breaking her back on the series, whilst Tina Hobley claimed she was still suffering the effects of a dislocated shoulder months on. 

Safety measures: Davina also spoke of not just about emotional scars but physical ones, as she revealed the contestants on next year's series of The Jump will receive far more training

Nothing to worry about: Despite Lorraine's admission that she 'worries' about the safety of the new stars, Davina assured her that they would be in safe hands

However, despite Lorraine's admission that she 'worries' about the safety of the new stars, Davina assured her that they would be in safe hands.  

'This year we’ve got them out for a very long period before we start filming,' she explained.

'If you think about the chances of a sprain on a weeks holiday... they’re out there for eight weeks skiing all day every day!'

Windswept: Davina battled the elements as she left the ITV studios

Think pink: The fitness entrepreneur wrapped up in a rose pink jumper 


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