Countryfile's Julia Bradbury debunks huge misconception about her rarely-seen 'husband'

Former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury has set the record straight about a common misconception about her relationship. For many years, reports have stated that the 55-year-old has been married to Gerard Cunningham, with whom she has three children, since 2000.

Debunking the long-standing assumption, Julia said the pair have actually never tied the knot and have no plans to.

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

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Gerard, who was sat by the presenter's side at the event, was often praised by Julia for his help and support throughout her cancer ordeal.

The host was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 and underwent a mastectomy to remove a 6 cm tumour.

She has since been given the all-clear and has made several lifestyle changes to keep healthy.

Issuing an update, she revealed she was feeling good, and has since released her new book Hack Yourself Healthy, which uncovers the ultimate health and wellness hacks.

Previously opening up about her decision not to marry her rarely-seen partner, she said it's not something they've felt they needed to do.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, she said: “No! I am happy the way I am. I’ve never had the desire to get married.”

Asked if she'd change her mind if he asked her, she replied: “Oh, he wouldn’t. We like it the way it is. I am secure and happy and it’s not something I need to complete me.”

Julia met Gerard through friends over 30 years ago, though things didn't become romantic until she was 39.

They have since gone on to have three children Zephyr, who is now 12, and eight-year-old twins Zena and Xanthe.

Becoming a mother wasn't easy for Julia, who was diagnosed with endometriosis in her thirties.

According to the NHS, endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

It can be extremely painful, especially during periods, and cause difficulty getting pregnant.

Additionally, it can lead to pain and discomfort during or after sex, fatigue, and painful bowel movements.

After being left concerned about her fertility due to the condition, Julia gave birth to her first born at the age of 40.

Three years later, the couple welcomed their twin girls into the world after undergoing five rounds of IVF.

Julia's first pregnancy came when her mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and she believes her happy news helped with her mum's approach to her ordeal.

She previously told Good To Know: "My mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer when I was pregnant with Zeph and I think that made a big difference.

"I kept saying to her, 'You can't go, you can't go, you have to stay to meet your grandchild'."

Julia also allowed her mother to find out the baby's sex before she and Gerard did, adding: "She felt it would make the baby feel more real, more tangible if she knew.

"So we gave the doctors permission to tell her - she was thrilled. I remember afternoons sitting holding hands on the sofa."

Julia's dad, Michael, was also diagnosed with prostate cancer after the birth of her first baby, however her parents have both thankfully recovered since.