Julia Bradbury celebrates wearing a bikini again for the first time since her breast cancer op

Julia Bradbury has shared her first photo in a bikini since having breast cancer surgery, saying that she "didn't think this would happen".

The Countryfile presenter was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 and has detailed her tough treatment to fans along the way - which has included a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.

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Bradbury, 51, has held nothing back in sharing how difficult some moments have been over the last six months, but has now posted a positive update on how she is feeling as she recovers.

Sharing a sunsoaked photo of herself sitting on a beach in a bikini on Instagram, she wrote: "I had no idea what life after a #mastectomy would be like. I feel incredibly grateful that some things have gone my way during my #breastcancer diagnosis.

"Each of our stories is different... I was fortunate to be able to have immediate recon after my breast was removed containing a 6cm tumour.

"Nothing prepares you for the shock & impact...& yet but here I am in a bikini again. Didn't think this would happen. Wearing wraps helps too."

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Bradbury took the photo on a trip to Mauritius and told her followers that the bikini was from swimwear brand Melissa Odabash - with the designer herself commenting "looking stunning".

Some of her famous friends also liked the photo including Helen Skelton and Tina Hobley, while Andrea McLean wrote: "I hope you’re having a lovely time."

Talking about her mastectomy which she underwent in October last year, mum-of-three Bradbury said: "I have to hope I have caught mine early enough.

"A mastectomy is a shattering thing to go through but it means that I am going to live and be here for my children."

She will share more about her diagnosis and treatment in documentary Julia Bradbury: Breast Cancer & Me, which airs on 28 April at 9pm on ITV.

Watch: Julia Bradbury returns to work on This Morning four months after mastectomy