Davina McCall Shocks Fans with Blonde Transformation as They Say She’s ‘Unrecognizable’

Davina McCall has shocked fans with a dramatic transformation, looking completely unrecognizable from her usual brunette self.

The Big Brother host is returning as a panellist for the new series of The Masked Singer UK alongside Jonathan Ross, Mo Gilligan, and newcomer Maya Jama. Joel Dommett also returns as the show’s vibrant presenter. Love Island host Maya replaces pop star Rita Ora, who steps away from the UK panel after four years, as reported by Metro.co.uk.

However, it was Davina’s new look that stole the spotlight in newly released promo images for the upcoming series. Sporting a blonde pixie cut with a sweeping fringe, the 55-year-old presenter ditched her signature raven locks for an eye-catching transformation. In the images, Davina stands confidently in an animal-print outfit, hands on her hips, looking worlds away from her familiar ITV icon appearance.

Fans were quick to react to the striking new look. X user @moonies_XP exclaimed: “I didn’t even realise that was Davina omg.” Hyping her up, @Alexpol71 added: “Okay Davina pop off.” Another user, @sl88animation, praised her style, saying her hair looks “amazing,” while @d_a_v_e_m_a joked she looked like a “long-lost Slater family member from EastEnders.”

The comparisons didn’t stop there, with many viewers noting similarities to EastEnders character Shirley Carter and others feeling like Davina’s look was a nod to Rita Ora. One fan humorously quipped: “Nice to see Davita McOra on the panel x.”

Rita Ora’s absence comes as she joins the US version of The Masked Singer, replacing Nicole Scherzinger, while Davina steps into a refreshed spotlight on the UK panel. The upcoming sixth series, filmed earlier this year, promises a new array of elaborate costumes and mystery celebrity contestants. Fans can look forward to uncovering the identities of the masked stars, with one ultimately joining the ranks of past winners like Charlie Simpson, Natalie Imbruglia, Joss Stone, and Nicola Roberts.

The show’s return follows a challenging year for Davina. Earlier this year, the presenter underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour discovered during a routine health check. She required a craniotomy, but the procedure was successful. Her boyfriend, Michael Douglas, updated fans in November, sharing that Davina is “quite tired at the moment” and will take time off to recuperate until mid-January.

Michael described the experience as “very emotional and quite incredible,” reassuring fans: “We’re definitely out of the woods.”

The sixth series of The Masked Singer UK launches on ITV in the New Year, promising entertainment, intrigue, and Davina’s show-stopping new style.