Julia Bradbury's 'controversial' health discovery after breast cancer left her 'petrified'

The former Countryfile presenter opened up about her fight with breast cancer (Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Julia Bradbury has made the "controversial" claim that her breast cancer battle was her "best health triumph", stating she's "definitely healthier" than she was five years ago - before her diagnosis.

The former BBC Countryfile host candidly discussed her ordeal in a revealing interview with the Telegraph. The TV star announced her diagnosis in 2021, and subsequently underwent a mastectomy.

After receiving the all-clear, she embarked on a significant lifestyle overhaul to enhance her health, which included reducing alcohol intake, eliminating refined sugar, and regular exercise.

During the interview, when asked about her greatest health achievement, the ex-Watchdog presenter expressed a "controversial" viewpoint. Julia stated: "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."

The ex-Watchdog star was asked what she would consider to be her best health triumph (Image: Mike Marsland/Getty Images for Hearst UK)

"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 confessed that she "didn't think" it would happen to her, and although it "sounds weird", she's undergone a major transformation by overhauling her health ever since.

In August, Julia revealed that she had received incredible support from This Morning's Ben Shephard during her cancer battle. Speaking to Good Housekeeping Magazine, she praised him as "brilliant".

Julia later received the all-clear and embarked on a major lifestyle change (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The Tipping Point presenter didn't hold back in his admiration for Julia on social media either, taking to Instagram to share a touching message alongside a snapshot of the pair.

He wrote: "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."

Julia also highlighted the unwavering support from her family, including her husband Gerard Cunningham and their children Zephyr, Xanthe, and Zena.

In a discussion with The Times, she opened up about her husband's compassionate nature, describing him as an "emotional human being" who has been "incredibly understanding" throughout her ordeal.