Former Countryfile star Julia Bradbury has made a poignant and emotional health admission, revealing the profound personal motivation behind her latest television project. The 51-year-old broadcaster was moved to tears while filming her new three-part ITV series, Wonders of the Frozen South, as she reflected on her ongoing battle with breast cancer and the significant lifestyle transformations she has embraced since her diagnosis.
A Journey of Reflection and Resilience
Julia Bradbury's new series documents her 23-day voyage across the Southern Ocean, culminating in a visit to Paradise Harbour on Antarctica's western edge. It was during a short hill climb at this stunning location that the presenter became visibly emotional, overwhelmed by thoughts of how much her life has changed since receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2021.
Now in remission following a mastectomy to remove a 6cm tumour, Bradbury has faced additional health scares, including the discovery of a cyst on her brain and an issue with her ovary, both of which were subsequently deemed non-threatening. Despite these challenges, she has refused to let her health battles hold her back, immersing herself in work with renewed determination.
The Decision to Film Amidst Health Struggles
Committing to the Antarctic series was, in Bradbury's own words, "a huge decision." In a candid conversation with Woman's Weekly magazine, she explained: "This was a tough journey - to leave my family for so long - and a really big decision to make this series. I don't want to live under a cloud of fear. I had to prove to myself that I could still do this, that there was a strength within me and that I was brave enough."
Reflecting on the impact of her cancer diagnosis, the mother-of-three added: "It halted me in my tracks. It forced me to ask, 'Am I living in a way that supports my health physically, mentally, emotionally?'" This introspection has led to comprehensive lifestyle changes aimed at improving her overall wellbeing.
Comprehensive Lifestyle Transformations
Following her cancer experience, Julia Bradbury has undergone significant lifestyle adjustments, beginning with a complete reassessment of her dietary habits. She has adopted a cleaner approach to nutrition, prioritising whole foods, beneficial fats, and high-quality proteins while eliminating sugar and heavily processed items from her diet.
The television personality has also cut out alcohol entirely after medical advice indicated that even moderate drinking could increase the risk of cancer recurrence. Stress management has become another central focus, with Bradbury now incorporating daily practices such as meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, and spending time in nature to maintain emotional balance.
Emotional Health and Physical Impact
Speaking to Bella magazine previously, Bradbury emphasised the importance of addressing emotional health: "Stress and emotional health are things that we should all take very seriously. People don't think that they have a physical impact, but they do." This realisation has informed her holistic approach to wellness, extending even to her skincare routine.
The broadcaster has transformed her approach to personal care products, explaining: "I've always been a sucker for beauty products, but after my diagnosis I became much more conscious about what I put on my skin and the potential impact of chemicals we often don't think twice about. Now my make-up, skincare and sun lotions are clean. I love Green People because it's organic and marine-friendly, and the brand also donates to the Marine Conservation Society."
Looking Forward with Determination
Julia Bradbury's emotional journey and health revelations come as she prepares to share her Antarctic adventure with viewers. The first episode of Wonders of the Frozen South airs on February 15 at 12.45pm on ITV, offering audiences not just breathtaking landscapes but also a glimpse into the presenter's personal resilience and commitment to living fully despite health challenges.
Through her candid admissions and lifestyle changes, Bradbury continues to inspire others facing similar health struggles, demonstrating that strength can be found in vulnerability and that meaningful transformation often follows life's most difficult moments.
