Julia Bradbury shares 'controversial' health admission after battling breast cancer

Julia Bradbury has "controversially" said getting breast cancer was her "best health triumph", explaining she's "definitely healthier" than she was five years ago - prior to being diagnosed.

The former BBC Countryfile presenter opened up about her fight with breast cancer in a candid interview with the Telegraph. The TV presenter revealed her diagnosis back in 2021, and went on to undergo a mastectomy.

She later received the all-clear and embarked on a major lifestyle change to boost her health, including limiting alcohol, cutting out refined sugar, and exercising.

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As part of the interview, the ex-Watchdog star was asked what she would consider to be her best health triumph, but the journalist said she had a "controversial" view.

Julia said: "I know this sounds controversial but getting breast cancer because it absolutely revolutionised the way I look after myself and my health.

"I was so blindsided, shocked and petrified by the diagnosis that I went into journalistic mode and started questioning why, and what were the factors and the variables.

"Then after I’d gone through what my diagnosis was and what my treatment was going to be, after my treatment it was 'how do I maintain my health and continue to be the healthiest person that I can be? What do I have to do? What do I have to learn? Who do I have to talk to? What’s out there?'"

She added that she "didn't think" it would happen to her, and although it "sounds weird", she's made a big transformation by overhauling her health.

In August, it was reported that Julia had received help from This Morning presenter Ben Shephard during her cancer diagnosis, telling Good Housekeeping Magazine that he was "brilliant".

In fact, the Tipping Point host publicly declared his support for the presenter on Instagram, sharing a photo of the two of them, as well as a heartwarming message.

He said: "Spent the morning with the wonderful beautiful brave talented force of nature that is @therealjuliabradbury who I'm very fortunate to call a friend. We've worked together, drunk together and always laughed together, and I can't wait to do more of the same."

In addition to her friend, Julia emphasised the support of her husband, Gerard Cunningham, and her three kids, Zephyr, Xanthe, and Zena.

In a previous conversation with The Times, she said her husband was an "emotional human being" and had been "incredibly understanding".