Holly Robertson, born in September 2001, is the eldest daughter of British television presenter Davina McCall and her former husband, Matthew Robertson. Now in her mid-twenties, Holly keeps a largely private life. She occasionally steps into the spotlight for major family milestones — including her mother’s MBE ceremony and, more recently, Davina’s 2025 marriage to Michael Douglas. Here’s everything currently known about her life, education, and family.
Early Life and Family Background
Holly was born in Hounslow, UK, in September 2001 — the eldest of three children born to Davina McCall and Matthew Robertson. In fact, the earliest press coverage of her birth introduced her as “Holly Willow.” Davina told reporters at the time that becoming a parent was “the best experience of my life.”
Davina, known for hosting Big Brother and Long Lost Family, married Matthew Robertson — a television presenter recognised for fronting Pet Rescue — in June 2000. The couple welcomed Holly the following year. Tilly followed in 2003, then Chester in 2006.
Holly Robertson’s Age and Current Life
Holly turned 23 in September 2024 and is now in her mid-twenties, tracking consistently across multiple family profiles published in 2025. She remains one of the more private members of the Robertson-McCall family and rarely gives interviews or maintains a public-facing career. Most of what’s known about her day-to-day life comes filtered through her mother’s own interviews and social media posts.
Her Parents’ Divorce and Family Dynamic
Davina and Matthew’s marriage began to unravel in 2017, and their divorce became final in early 2018. Despite the split, both parents have prioritised a close relationship with their three children. Holly has continued to share strong bonds with both her mother and father in the years since.
Education — Newcastle University
Holly spent four years at Newcastle University before graduating in the summer of 2024, a milestone her mother marked with an emotional tribute on social media. Davina wrote that Holly had been at “the brilliant @newcastleuni for the past 4 years.” She added that graduation day was “huge for her in so many ways — huge, because it was the end of an era, but the beginning of another.”
Davina attended the ceremony in person, and photos from the day showed a proud mother-daughter moment as Holly’s university years came to a close. No verifiable source has confirmed the specific subject of Holly’s degree, so we won’t guess at that here.
Holly Robertson and Davina McCall’s MBE Ceremony
One of Holly’s most publicised appearances came on Wednesday, 31 January 2024, when she accompanied her mother to Buckingham Palace. There, Princess Anne presented Davina with an MBE for services to broadcasting. Outlets often describe Holly as the image of her television-presenter mother, and she appeared that day in an all-black outfit with a navy fascinator. Davina’s partner Michael Douglas also joined the family for the occasion.
Speaking about the day afterwards, Davina called the palace itself unforgettable. She recalled being told to “keep looking up because the ceilings are part of the best bit.”
Family Update: Davina’s Marriage to Michael Douglas
The Robertson-McCall family saw a significant change in late 2025. Davina, who had been with hairdresser Michael Douglas since 2019, got engaged during a trip to Ibiza in October 2025. The couple married in an intimate ceremony near their Kent home on 5 December 2025, with just around ten guests. A second, larger garden-party celebration followed roughly seven months later at the same Kent home, complete with tipi tents and the couple arriving by tuk-tuk.
For Holly and her siblings, the marriage formalises a relationship that has been part of the family for years. Michael has appeared alongside Holly and Davina at previous family events, including the 2024 MBE ceremony.
Davina’s Health Battles and Family Support
The past two years have been eventful for the family on the health front as well. In November 2024, Davina underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour known as a colloid cyst. Doctors discovered it during a routine health check tied to her menopause advocacy work. Fearing she might not survive the operation, she wrote letters to her three children to be kept in her will in case the worst happened.
A year later, in November 2025, Davina revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy. She described feeling “very angry” upon diagnosis but said she had since reached a “much more positive place.” Friends close to the couple said the health scare partly prompted Davina and Michael to marry when they did, rather than wait any longer.
Throughout both health challenges, Holly and her siblings have remained a source of support and motivation for their mother.
Holly’s Relationship with Her Siblings
Holly shares a close bond with her younger siblings, Tilly and Chester. Tilly, Davina’s middle child, now lives in Sydney, Australia — a move the presenter has said she “really struggled with,” even as she’s supported her daughter’s independence. Chester, the youngest at 18, remains the most private of the three. Davina has previously admitted he finds her television work “embarrassing,” much like most teenagers do of their parents.
As the eldest sibling, Holly has often played a steadying, supportive role within the family — a role that seems to have only grown as the family has faced health scares and life changes over the past two years.
Conclusion
Holly Robertson continues to lead a life largely outside the public eye, choosing privacy over the spotlight despite her mother’s high profile. From her Newcastle University graduation to standing beside Davina at Buckingham Palace, and now settling into a new chapter as her mother remarries and manages her health, Holly remains a quietly central figure in one of British television’s most closely watched families.
Readers who want more background on Davina McCall’s three children can find further detail elsewhere, and the full story of Davina’s recent wedding to Michael Douglas following her cancer diagnosis has also been widely reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Holly Robertson?
Holly was born in September 2001, making her 23 through most of 2025 and 24 from September 2025.
Who are Holly Robertson’s parents?
Her parents are television presenter Davina McCall and former Pet Rescue host Matthew Robertson, who married in 2000 and divorced in 2018.
Where did Holly Robertson go to university?
She studied at Newcastle University for four years, graduating in the summer of 2024.
Does Holly Robertson have a public career?
No verified public career details are currently available. Holly has largely kept her professional life private, and no reliable source has corroborated unconfirmed claims about acting work circulating online.
Is Davina McCall married again?
Yes. Davina married her long-term partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas, in December 2025, following their engagement in Ibiza that October.
Does Holly Robertson have siblings?
Yes — a younger sister, Tilly, who lives in Sydney, Australia, and a younger brother, Chester.
