Julia Bradbury has opened up about the small but significant ways her life has changed since her breast cancer diagnosis – including why she steers clear of her partner’s early-morning political viewing. The 55-year-old broadcaster, widely recognised for presenting factual favourites such as Countryfile and Watchdog, has spent decades travelling to some of the most far-flung locations on the planet. Earlier this month, she returned to ITV screens with Julia Bradbury’s Wonders of the Frozen South, continuing her long-running association with travel and adventure programming.

But behind the scenes, Bradbury says her priorities have shifted dramatically since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. The diagnosis prompted what she has described as a profound reassessment of her wellbeing, daily routine and pace of life. Speaking to The Telegraph, the mum-of-three says she now begins each day with a carefully structured ritual designed to support her health. “I have a glass of room temperature water or electrolytes – in Ayurvedic medicine, icy cold fluid is not good for digestion and overall health. After that, I do an extended version of my daily morning practice to help raise my cortisol levels gently as melatonin reduces.

“I sit outside on my windowsill – wearing a Dryrobe if it’s raining – to get natural light in my eyes. I observe the trees and birds, do breath work, meditation and a Sanskrit chant that I learnt at the Ananda Ayurvedic resort in India. All these stackable habits revive and energise me. ”

The presenter shares her London home with property developer Gerard Cunningham and their three children – 14-year-old Zephyr and 10-year-old twins Xanthe and Zena – as well as their puppy, Zeus. While Bradbury embraces stillness at the start of the day, she revealed her partner’s mornings look rather different.

“Gerry doesn’t join me. He’s usually snoozing or watching a political TV programme. I don’t want any of that. Knowing what Donald Trump or Keir Starmer is doing can wait until later. ”

Her comments suggest a deliberate effort to protect her mental space in the early hours, particularly from the intensity of rolling political news. Instead of headlines, she prioritises light, fresh air and mindfulness.

Bradbury explained that these habits are not confined to dawn. Throughout the day, she makes time for short, restorative pauses – something she admits would have been unthinkable before her illness.

“At any time of the day, I’ll squeeze in purposeful, mini restoration breaks – two minutes of breathwork, going outside for three minutes or, if I’m stuck indoors, sticking my head out a window for a moment of air and daylight. I never did this before cancer. Back then, I was running at 100mph. Now I’m in tune with myself.”

The change marks a stark contrast to the relentless schedule she once maintained while juggling filming commitments and family life. Now, she appears determined to build resilience through incremental, manageable practices rather than constant momentum.

Bradbury has also recently addressed a long-standing misconception about her personal life. For years, reports have described her as being married to Cunningham since 2000. However, she recently told The Mirror that the couple have never actually tied the knot.

Speaking exclusively at Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience, she said: “[He's my] partner, though according to Wikipedia, we've been married for 25 years.”