Julia Bradbury considering huge life move after devastating cancer diagnosis
Countryfile host Julia Bradbury, who has also presented BBC shows including Watchdog and Crimewatch, has opened up on a drastic change she is considering
Television presenter Julia Bradbury has opened up about contemplating a significant lifestyle shift with her family.
Julia currently lives in North London with husband Gerard Cunningham, twin daughters twins Zena and Xanthe, nine, and son 13-year-old Zephyr. The 54-year-old has been on screens for decades, having spent 10 years presenting Countryfile.
A lifelong enthusiast of walking, Julia has fronted several programmes celebrating the great outdoors, such as Britain's Best Walks. Following her battle with breast cancer in 2021 and subsequent double mastectomy, she chose to revamp her life, focusing on "the science of wellbeing".
She has since written a book, Walk Yourself Happy. She has also started a charitable scheme, the Outdoor Guide Foundation, which aims to get 10 sets of wellies and waterproofs into every UK primary school.
With nature being a central theme in her life, Julia acknowledges that the idea of trading the city's buzz for a calmer environment is appealing to the family, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Speaking to Bella magazine about the potential move, Julia revealed: "I've been very happy living in North London, but now I am beginning to think it would be nice to be closer to a lovely forest, especially as the kids are getting older. So, yes, it is very much on our radar."
Discussing her charitable venture, Julia fears that children are spending "less time outside than ever before", but explains she is a big supporter of getting youngsters out into nature. She says she aims to "remove" the "financial barrier" that is stopping some children from being outside.
She's an advocate for encouraging kids to explore the great outdoors and is working to "remove" the "financial barrier" that prevents some from doing so.
Starting her career on cable TV, Julia moved to ITV as a Los Angeles correspondent. Julia was one of the first presenters, alongside Tim Vine, when Channel 5 launched in 1998.
The presenter fronted Watchdog between 2005 and 2009. After leaving, she helped relaunch Countryfile with Matt Baker - who remains on the show today.
The transition to outdoor and wildlife programmes marked a significant "pivot" in her career, which had previously seen her presenting shows like The National Lottery. Now, as she moves into the wellbeing space, Julia sees it as a "natural segue" in her evolving career.
Julia will be appearing on James Martin's Saturday Morning from 9.30am on ITV One today (April 26). Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Judy Joo will be providing food while First Dates star Merlin Griffiths will be making cocktails.