Former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury broke down in tears while filming her new series 'Julia Bradbury's Wonders Of The Frozen South' in Antarctica. The emotional moment came as she arrived at Paradise Harbour, marking a significant milestone five years after her breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy in 2021.
Appearing on Lorraine, Bradbury described the experience: 'After I went through the breast cancer diagnosis in 2021 and I had my mastectomy, there was a very tender, emotional time in my life, where I didn't think I would ever want to leave my family again.' She added that being so far from home felt like an incredible achievement.
During filming, Bradbury insisted the cameras keep rolling to capture her authentic reaction. She told MailOnline: 'The sky was pink in the Antarctic summer, there were icebergs on the horizon and a solitary humpback whale... I was sitting there thinking, "When I'm old, this is something I want to tell my grandchildren about," and that made me realise that I was living my second life, the one after cancer, to the full.'
The three-part series follows Bradbury on a 23-day expedition through the Southern Ocean, visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. She explores wildlife and ecosystems, learning from scientists dedicated to protecting these environments.
Bradbury has since stopped drinking alcohol after doctors warned it could increase cancer recurrence risk. She told The Times: 'Death looked me in the eyes. So I am more focused on my health than I ever have been. I don't drink, I eat a healthy diet, and exercise every day.'
The first episode airs on Sunday February 15, with subsequent episodes on February 22 and March 1.
