Julia Bradbury, the former host of Countryfile, has opened up about her commitment to maintaining her health and extending her lifespan as much as possible.

At 55, Julia has been candid about her journey since being diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, discussing both the physical and emotional challenges she has faced.

In a significant step towards recovery, the writer and television personality underwent a single mastectomy in late 2021 to excise a tumor measuring six centimeters. She now speaks passionately about her revitalized determination to live a long and fulfilling life.

In an interview with The Times, she expressed, “I have the greatest motivation in the world to pursue these efforts – to live as long as I can. Yet, I hope others don’t have to find themselves in my situation to feel similarly driven.”

During the same conversation, Julia addressed criticisms she faced following another interview where she shared details about her typical weekend, which led to ridicule.

The criticism reportedly stemmed from her admission that she occasionally confiscates sweets her children hide in their rooms.

Julia explained that what she was actually talking about was a type of cuddly toy that she says have a lot of microplastics.

She said that when she picked up one of the toys from the carpet that she found it was hiding a box of sweets. Away from her children’s health, Julia said she has decided to take more charge of her own physical wellbeing.

The Dublin-born presenter told the Mirror: “I’ve really taken charge of my health. I want to make sure that I’m in the driving seat, rather than responding to crises.”

This includes taking a more proactive approach to her diet. She explained: “I cut out gluten, I cut out alcohol, I really started paying attention to my hormones.

“I also increased my fibre content and I’ve generally reduced my overall inflammation in my body – and I’ve done that under the guidance of medical professionals.”

Julia’s comments about her health came weeks after she marked International Women’s Day with a heartfelt message about an American physician diagnosed with cancer.

Julia highlighted the work of Jerri Lin Nielsen, who died at the age of 57 in 2009, a woman who self treated her own breast cancer whilst stationed at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in South Africa.

Julia said: “To mark International Women’s Day I’d like to celebrate the extraordinary story of the American doctor Jerri Nielsen. My new series heading to Antarctica for ITV brought her story into my orbit.

“In 1999 Jerri Nielsen was the only physician wintering at the Amundsen‑Scott South Pole Station, responsible for the health of about 40 colleagues.

“In the coldest, most isolated place on Earth, this woman achieved something incredible, and continued while treating herself and healing, to take care of others. I can’t imagine how afraid she must have felt going through a breast cancer diagnosis in this situation.”