Former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury has shared her harrowing experience of being "utterly terrified" as she faced an emotional "goodbye" before undergoing surgery. The beloved BBC star opened up about her heart-wrenching health battle and the "overwhelming" steps she endured prior to a life-altering operation in a recent article.

In 2021, Julia, who had previously been diagnosed with a cluster of benign micro-cysts, was dealt a tragic blow when a mammogram revealed a 6cm tumour, leading to a breast cancer diagnosis. The courageous presenter later underwent a mastectomy, making a poignant appearance at the National Television Awards that year where she celebrated her "old body" one last time by donning a jumpsuit. However, prior to her procedure, she found herself "staring into the unknown".

In her first-person piece, the 55-year-old bravely spoke about her diagnosis, revealing how her mind spiralled to things like dying and leaving her children "behind", but there was another painful "goodbye" she faced.

Speaking to the Sun's Fabulous Magazine, Julia confessed: "When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, I was utterly terrified. You're staring into the unknown. Hearing those words: 'You have cancer', your mind spirals - you think about dying and leaving your kids behind."

Despite the fear, she chose to tackle each day as it came, maintaining a resilient mindset throughout. Julia reflected on how the ordeal taught her to live in the "moment", though she felt "very sad" about having to undergo a mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

She felt "despondent" about the loss and was worried about how it would affect her confidence. Julia then gave a glimpse into what she described as the "overwhelming" steps leading up to the procedure.

Julia continued: "It was very overwhelming hearing someone say: 'We're going to cut off your breast', and looking at the different silicone implants, wondering what the scar was going to be like and whether my nipple could be saved.

"I had to say goodbye to my breast and thank my body for the joy it's given me - knowing that gave me the confidence to look forward."

In her book, Hack Yourself Healthy, Julia provided more details about her appearance at the NTAs. She mentioned that she noticed her "revealing top" had been cut on the same side as her "newly diagnosed breast cancer".

In a touching confession, the television presenter and journalist looked down and "understood" that this would be the last time she'd be "red-carpet-ready" in her "old body".

After undergoing the surgery, however, Julia found that she had been physically weakened to the point where she couldn't even perform basic exercises.

She confessed: "There was a point in my life that I had never expected to experience at the age of 50: I could not lie flat on the floor and put my arms above my head."

Since then, things seem to have improved, as she noted that she is now "fitter, more flexible and stronger" than before her diagnosis, even claiming that she's "probably in the best shape" of her life.