Former BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin has posed in a mint-green bikini five months after suffering severe frostbite during an Arctic cycling challenge.
The 57-year-old newsreader shared photos of herself floating on an inflatable in a swimming pool while reading a book, showing off her figure in a straw sun hat, dark sunglasses, and a bandage on her toe.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Minchin explained that she had found a clever way to enjoy the water during her summer holiday despite her ongoing foot recovery.
"Of all the summers not to be able to swim because of my still healing frostbitten toes, 2026 has been challenging, but after some testing I’ve discovered a way to be in the water without being ‘in’ the water, it’s not as easy as it looks in the first photo!" she wrote.
"But I was very pleased I managed to match my bikini, to my book and my lilo!" she added.
Her post received warm support from fans and television colleagues, with celebrity friends including Gethin Jones, Steph McGovern, and Dr Nighat Arif leaving messages of encouragement.
Minchin, who co-hosted the BBC's flagship morning show BBC Breakfast for over 15 years before leaving in 2021, updated her social media biography to reflect her condition. It currently reads: "Currently recovering from frostbite after an Ice Bike race in the Arctic Circle."
Ongoing recovery from severe frostbite
The update follows concerns Minchin raised last month in her personal newsletter, where she revealed that while her fingers had healed, the long-term outlook for her toes remains uncertain.
"To say things did not go to plan is an understatement," Minchin wrote about the expedition. "I did cycle a long way, about 140km in treacherous conditions but with the temperature falling to -40C unfortunately I got severe frostbite in my fingers and toes."
She explained that the onset of frostbite was imperceptible while riding. "It is not something you can feel, so I had no idea I had it, nor how serious it was until after I pulled out of the race because my companion Mimi Anderson had to stop cycling because her hands were so numb she couldn't change gear."
Minchin noted that while Anderson has made a full recovery, her own healing process continues under medical supervision. "I will spare you details at this point as I am still being treated and don't know exactly what my long-term recovery will look like," she said. "Suffice to say my fingers are OK, but not all of my toes."
Emergency rescue during Arctic challenge
Minchin sustained the injuries in March while taking part in the Inuvik Weekend Warrior Fat Bike Challenge, a grueling 300-mile cycle across three days in Canada's remote Northwest Territories. The event was held to raise funds for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a UK charity supporting youth development.
The presenter was forced to quit the challenge around 14 hours in, having completed roughly 140 kilometres, about a quarter of the full route, when conditions became life-threatening.
After activating an emergency beacon, Minchin and Anderson were rescued and rushed to hospital. Speaking from her hospital bed at the time, Minchin assured supporters: "We are out of the race but we are safe, warm and being well looked after. We did around 140k in temperatures as low as -40C. When we got to this point both of us knew we were very dangerously cold."
![Louise was rushed to hospital after having to abandon the cycle 14 hours in, when she used the emergency beacon to call for help [pictured in March]](https://i.dailymail.com/1s/2026/08/19/14/110209235-16063915-Louise_was_rushed_to_hospital_after_having_to_abandon_the_cycle_-a-60_1787146811207.jpg)
She added that the "combination of the temperature and wind meant despite having prepared as much as we could have it was a huge risk to go on," noting: "Turns out we were right to stop. We both have frostbite and are being looked after incredibly well looked after. At the moment we remain in good spirits."
Discharge and hospital care
After spending two weeks receiving treatment from medical teams in both Canada and the United Kingdom, Minchin was discharged from hospital in time for Easter.
Reflecting on her treatment after returning home, she expressed her gratitude to the medical staff who aided her recovery: "I am out of hospital in time for Easter thank goodness. Thanks to all of you for your messages. Profound thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff who have looked after me over the last two weeks both here in the UK and in Canada. I am incredibly grateful for the care you have all given me."
