Julia Bradbury, the beloved former Countryfile presenter, has revealed the emotional depth behind her new ITV series, Wonders of the Frozen South. The show follows Julia on an extraordinary 23-day expedition across the Southern Ocean, including a poignant visit to Paradise Harbour in Antarctica.
During filming, Julia was visibly moved as she paused to take in the stunning Antarctic vistas, reflecting on her personal battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2021, Julia underwent surgery to remove a 6cm tumor and has since been declared in remission.
Her health challenges didn’t end there. Last year, Julia disclosed that doctors found a cyst on her brain and a growth in her ovary, both of which were determined to be non-threatening after thorough checks. Despite these hurdles, Julia remains resilient, fueled by a positive outlook and renewed determination.
READ MORE: ‘Violent’ Teenager Banned from Cheltenham Town Centre for One Year
READ MORE: Winning Lotto Numbers Tonight: Full National Lottery Results with Thunderball – Wednesday, February 11, 2026
In an interview with Woman’s Weekly, she described the journey to film the series as a “huge decision” that meant spending significant time away from her family. “I don’t want to live under a cloud of fear,” she stated. “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.”
The cancer diagnosis was a wake-up call, prompting Julia to reassess her physical, mental, and emotional health. She overhauled her lifestyle, adopting a nutrient-rich diet focused on whole foods, healthy fats, and quality proteins, while cutting out sugar and processed foods. Alcohol was also eliminated from her lifestyle due to its link with increased cancer risk.
Stress management has become a cornerstone of her wellness routine, incorporating meditation, breathing exercises, journaling, and daily outdoor time. Julia underscores the importance of emotional well-being, explaining to Bella magazine, “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.”
Julia has also shifted to cleaner, organic beauty products to reduce chemical exposure. She praises brands like Green People, which align with her values by being organic and environmentally conscious, actively supporting marine conservation efforts.
The first episode of Wonders of the Frozen South will air on ITV on February 15 at 12:45 pm, offering viewers a glimpse into Julia’s restorative journey both professionally and personally.