Davina McCall, host of Begin Again

The moment before the
moment: How Davina McCall prepares to go live

From guest research to a warm welcome and, of course, a cup of tea. We go behind the scenes with Davina McCall to discover the rituals that help her pause, focus and get ready for the moment that matters.

There’s always a moment before the moment. Before the cameras roll. Before the lights come on. Before the first question is asked. It’s the pause that helps you feel present, focused and ready for whatever comes next.

For Davina McCall, host of Begin Again, those moments are an important part of getting ready to step onto set. And while there’s plenty happening behind the scenes to prepare for each episode, there are also a few familiar rituals that help Davina and her team get into the right headspace.

We went behind the scenes to discover what happens in the moments before “go live”.

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A light blue gradient background with large black text reading 'YOUR WELLNESS ERA' and smaller text 'But first, tea.' A hanging tea tag on the lower right reads 'TWININGS' and 'Moment of Calm.

We went behind the scenes to discover what happens in the moments before “go live”.

Getting to know the guest - Long before Davina sits down with a guest, the research team is busy getting to know their story. They brief Davina on who she’ll be meeting, exploring their background, experiences and the themes that could unlock the most interesting conversation. Together, they discuss the questions Davina could focus on, giving her a strong sense of where the conversation might go, while leaving plenty of room for those spontaneous moments that can make an interview so memorable. Davina has had the pleasure of interviewing
(names, titles here)
Setting the scene - While the research is happening, the production team is busy bringing the set to life. Lights, cameras, sound and all the details that need to be in place before recording begins. There’s a real buzz on set as everything comes together, but amongst the activity, there are small moments of calm too.
But first, tea - There’s always someone handing Davina a cup of tea before a record. And no, this isn’t something we’ve added for the cameras. It’s an entirely authentic part of the ritual. ☕️ For
Davina, taking a moment with a cup of tea is a chance to pause before stepping into the energy of the studio.

“I love the buzz of going on air, but I always make it a point to pause beforehand so I’m fully present when we roll. I’ve been loving Twinings Superblends when I want to take a bit of a pause for myself.”

— Davina McCall

It’s a small moment, but sometimes the smallest rituals can make the biggest difference.

For Davina, her go-to on set is Twinings Superblends Calm (link to PDP),with delicate vanilla and spiced chamomile.

“The vanilla and spiced chamomile is so delicate and comforting and even a short moment with my lovely tea brings out a more thoughtful, connected version of myself.”

— Davina McCall

Choose Your Favourite Mug, Cup or Teapot

4. The warmest welcome - Then comes one of the moments Begin Again viewers have come to know and love. Davina’s iconic warm welcome. Before settling into the conversation, Davina heads out to greet her guest in her unmistakably energetic style - a moment that has become a much-anticipated part of the show for viewers. It’s a brilliant reminder that preparing for a meaningful conversation isn’t always about quiet contemplation.

5. LIVE - And then, suddenly, it’s time. The cameras are rolling. The guest is in place. The questions have been considered. The tea has been had.

6. Davina has shared exclusively with Twinings her top tips for taking moment before a big event and believe it or not, it revolves around tea!

a. "I have at least 6-8 cups of English Breakfast tea a day, it's like my elixir. I also drink about 3 cups of herbal tea; either Glow, Sweet Dreams, Unwind or Calm in the evening which I really really like. I'm a tea obsessive. Tea is everything for me!"

b. "The other thing I do before a show is revise - with a cup of tea of course!"

Begin Again, hosted by Davina McCall, explores personal transformation and growth through conversations with guests sharing their stories of rediscovery, resilience and change. Across each episode, Davina explores the experiences both big and small that can shape what comes next.

Because whether it’s preparing to step in front of the camera, starting an important conversation or simply taking a moment for yourself, what happens before the moment matters too.

So next time you have something big or even something very ordinary ahead of you, take a moment.

Pause. Reset. But first, tea.

Listen to Begin Again with Davina McCall

Discover more stories, conversations and moments of transformation on Begin Again.

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