Davina McCall’s ex-husband has spoken openly about surviving what he described as a “dark time,” sharing a deeply personal message just days after the television presenter quietly married her partner, Michael Douglas. The emotional reflection was posted on Instagram to mark his birthday, offering insight into his journey since the end of his long marriage and the support system that helped him through one of the most challenging periods of his life.
Matthew Robertson, who was married to Davina for almost two decades before their split in 2017, used the occasion to express gratitude rather than focus on celebration. In a heartfelt post, he paid tribute to his best friend, Mark Diggins, crediting him with saving his life during a time when he was struggling deeply. The message struck a chord with many, particularly as it came so soon after news of Davina’s recent wedding emerged.
Sharing a selfie of himself alongside Diggins, Matthew began his post by explaining the significance of the man standing next to him. He wrote that the day marked his birthday, but made it clear that the focus of the message was not himself. Instead, he wanted to acknowledge the friend who had stood by him when he needed it most. Matthew described Mark as the person who helped guide him through a very dark chapter, teaching him how to live again and how to rediscover love, purpose and joy through the outdoors.
He went on to praise Diggins’ character, calling him a “silent warrior” who avoids the spotlight despite being regarded as one of the top mountain guides in the world. Matthew’s words painted a picture of quiet strength and unwavering support, suggesting that this friendship played a pivotal role in his recovery and personal growth. The message was not one of bitterness or regret, but rather one rooted in gratitude and reflection.
Matthew continued by broadening his thanks to include others who have been important in his life. He stressed that his birthday was not about him alone, but about the incredible people who surround him with kindness and support. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Mark’s wife, Nikki, acknowledging her role as part of that support network. He also thanked his children, saying they make him “shine,” a simple but powerful acknowledgment of the grounding role they play in his life.
The former couple share three children together — Holly, Tilly and Chester — and both have consistently emphasized that their children remain their top priority. When Davina and Matthew announced their separation in 2017, Davina released a statement confirming the news and underlining their commitment to co-parenting. She described the split as deeply sad, but made it clear that their focus would always be on protecting and supporting their children.
In the years that followed, Davina has spoken candidly about how difficult the divorce was. In 2020, she described the experience as “traumatic,” acknowledging the emotional turmoil that accompanied the breakdown of such a long marriage. Despite the pain, she also shared that she and Matthew were able to rebuild their relationship in a healthier way, finding a path toward positive co-parenting.
She explained at the time that divorce is something that must be navigated with great care, particularly when children are involved. According to Davina, the process forced both of them to grow as individuals, eventually allowing them to reach a place of mutual respect and understanding. Two years on from the split, she said they had come to accept that the separation, while incredibly painful, was ultimately the right decision for both of them.
Matthew’s recent post suggests that the years following the divorce were not easy for him, even if he has chosen not to speak publicly about the details before now. By referencing a “very dark time,” he offered a glimpse into the emotional impact of that period, while also highlighting the importance of friendship, nature and community in helping him heal. His words carried a tone of resilience rather than resentment, focusing on survival, growth and gratitude rather than loss.
While it is not publicly known whether Matthew is currently in a relationship, Davina has clearly entered a new chapter in her personal life. Earlier this month, she quietly married her longtime partner, Michael Douglas, a celebrity hairdresser. The wedding was kept deliberately low key, with sources describing it as intimate and deeply personal.
The couple reportedly chose a small venue close to their home and invited only around ten close friends and family members. Those who attended were said to be among the most important people in their lives, reinforcing the idea that the ceremony was about meaning rather than spectacle. Friends described the wedding as “perfect,” saying it reflected exactly what the couple wanted.
Following the ceremony, Davina and Michael were seen attending a friend’s much larger wedding the next day, marking their first public appearance as husband and wife. The contrast between the private nature of their own celebration and the public event that followed only emphasized how intentionally personal their wedding had been.
Matthew’s birthday post, arriving so soon after news of Davina’s remarriage, stood on its own as a message of reflection rather than reaction. Rather than referencing his ex-wife’s new marriage directly, he chose to focus on his own journey and the people who have helped him along the way. By doing so, he highlighted a narrative of healing, maturity and forward movement.
The post also reinforced the sense that both Matthew and Davina have worked hard to move beyond the pain of their separation and find stability in their own ways. While Davina has found happiness in remarriage, Matthew appears to be grounded in friendship, fatherhood and personal growth. His message suggested that survival during difficult times often depends not on grand gestures, but on quiet, consistent support from those who care.
Ultimately, Matthew’s words served as a reminder that life after a major relationship breakdown can be complex and deeply emotional, even years later. His openness about struggle, combined with his gratitude for the people who helped him through it, offered a powerful and human perspective on resilience. At a time when public attention has shifted toward Davina’s new beginning, his message quietly underscored the importance of acknowledging personal battles and honoring the bonds that help people find their way back to the light.
