Former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury has opened up about the emotional reason behind taking on her latest television project. The 51-year-old is back on screen, fronting her new three-part ITV series, Wonders of the Frozen South, which follows her on a 23-day expedition through the Southern Ocean.

As part of the experience, Julia travelled to Paradise Harbour on the western tip of Antarctica, where she completed a mini hill hike before pausing to take in the breathtaking scenery.

During this moment, the host struggled to hold back tears as she reflected on just how far she has come since her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021.

Julia, now in remission, previously underwent a mastectomy to remove a 6cm tumour. In a further health update last year, she revealed that doctors had discovered a cyst on her brain, although she was reassured it was not a cause for concern.

Speaking on The One Show, she added: "They also discovered something in my ovary, but I had that checked out and that was alright as well."

Determined not to let her health challenges define her, Julia has thrown herself back into work with renewed purpose. However, she admitted that signing up for her latest series was "a huge decision".

Speaking to Woman’s Weekly, she explained: "This was a tough journey - to leave my family for so long - and a really big decision to make this series. I don’t want to live under a cloud of fear.

"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."

Reflecting on her cancer diagnosis, the mother-of-three said: "It halted me in my tracks. It forced me to ask, Am I living in a way that supports my health physically, mentally, emotionally?'"

Since her ordeal, Julia has made significant lifestyle changes, including re-evaluating her diet.

She now follows a healthier eating pattern focused on whole foods, healthy fats and quality proteins, while avoiding junk food, sugar and ultra-processed products.

The presenter has also given up alcohol after being warned that even moderate consumption can increase the risk of cancer recurrence.

Managing stress has become another key priority, with Julia incorporating meditation, breathwork, journaling and daily time outdoors into her routine.

She previously told 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."

The presenter has also overhauled her skincare regime, adding: "I’ve always been a sucker for beauty products, but after my diagnosis I became much more conscious about what I put on my skin and the potential impact of chemicals we often don’t think twice about," she said.

"Now my make-up, skincare and sun lotions are clean. I love Green People because it’s organic and marine-friendly, and the brand also donates to the Marine Conservation Society."

The first episode of Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South airs on ITV on February 15 at 12.45pm.