Davina McCall devastated as dad Andrew dies after Alzheimer’s battle
DAVINA McCall has revealed her devastation following the death of her father, describing him as the "best dad" who will "leave a big hole in her life".
The TV star, 54, told fans Andrew, 77, had passed away on Monday evening with her by his side, as she shared a touching post about his life.
Davina's mum and dad split when she was just three and she was raised by her grandparents because her mum was "incapable of mothering."
Her mum passed away in 2008, but Davina built a strong relationship with her dad and step-mum Gabby who she went to live with when she was 13.
Sharing the news of his death today, Davina wrote alongside an image of them both smiling: “My Dad , Andrew , died on Monday night . He took a turn for the worse on Sunday but thankfully he wasn’t in pain. He was peaceful. I'm so grateful for that, and that we could be with him .."
Paying tribute to what he was like as a father, she explained: “He was the best Dad I could ever wish for . My sister and I hit the jackpot . He always made time for us, opened his ( and my amazing mummas) house to all our friends, temporarily adopted mates of mine that needed help.
"He was a facilitator, always helping people with intros … he knew EVERYBODY. And they ALL loved him! I can’t imagine how many careers and businesses were started because of him. "
She continued: "The word legend has been used many times to describe my Dad.
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“He was a bon vivante, loved life, positive to the very end… “it just works” was one of the last phrases he was able to say as Alzheimer’s robbed him of the power of speech .
"He lived life . He loved us. And we loved him . With all our hearts . He leaves an enormous hole in our lives.”
In 2017, Davina spoke emotionally about the tell-tale signs she picked up on which made her suspect her father had Alzheimer's, who was diagnosed aged 73.
The star explained that she and the rest of the family started noticing he was showing subtle changes in his behaviour and personality.
Davina said they took note when he began repeating a story he had told only 15 minutes earlier and noticed he forgot about events that happened days prior.
The Masked Singer judge then said Andrew struggled to find everyday items around the home, and couldn't remember words he wanted to say.
Alzheimer’s disease is named after the doctor who first described it in medical literature, Alois Alzheimer.
The disease affects the brain and Alzheimer's UK says that in the UK there are more than 42,000 people under the age of 65 living with the condition.
The condition affects one in six people over the age of 80 and it is thought that around 850,000 people in total are suffering in the UK alone.
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