A host of new stars will be stripping the light fantastic
The Real Full Monty is back... but this time, the celebrities will be strutting their stuff in Blackpool. SARAH MORGAN learns more
Brave celebrities are baring all once again in aid of a good cause for this year’s Real Full Monty spectacle.
The ITV show, which is choreographed and hosted by Diversity’s Ashley Banjo, 33, has a ballroom theme for the first time and the new recruits will be stripping off in Blackpool to raise awareness of life-saving cancer checks in intimate areas.
“It will be our biggest extravaganza yet and we are determined to get the message out there – don’t forget to check your bits and baubles this Christmas,” says Ashley.
The show aims to bring some old-school glitz and glamour to proceedings, and its organisers are convinced they have the line-up to enable them to do that – what’s more, they’ll be performing in front of a live audience.
Laila Morse is best known for playing Big Mo Harris in EastEnders, but she’s no stranger to reality TV, having appeared in Dancing on Ice, I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity MasterChef.
She’s joined by singer and actor Duncan James.
Duncan, 43, says many friends and family members have gone through a cancer diagnosis.
“I was friends with Sarah Harding, who sadly lost her battle, one of my best friend’s sister died from a brain tumour and my uncle had testicular cancer,” he says.
“I think everybody can relate, or knows somebody, who has suffered cancer or lost somebody. Sadly the statistic is now one in two, which is just so shocking.”
Christine McGuinness hit the headlines recently due to her work to raise awareness of autism. Like many of the stars taking part, she has a personal reason for doing so.
Her mother was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer during the pandemic and Christine wasn’t able to be with her.
“I couldn’t give my mum a cuddle when she was going through chemotherapy. It tore us apart, broke our hearts,” she says. “Mum is the only grandparent to my three children, we’ve got a really, really special bond.”
Retired athlete Colin Jackson and singer and Loose Women regular Brenda Edwards, who has had breast cancer, are also taking part.
Brenda, 52, says: “I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2015, had a mastectomy, and lost all my hair. This is me celebrating five years of being cancer free, I’m here and smiling!”
Property expert Martin Roberts and Love Island stars Teddy Soares and Demi Jones will be appearing too, as will married duo Ola and James Jordan, who are no strangers to Blackpool, having competed there many times, both during their stints on Strictly Come Dancing and as pro dancers.
The Jordans may be able to lend Ashley a hand with the choreography, although the emphasis is on them raising awareness and money while ensuring those watching are fully entertained.
“This year we’re bringing our message with a bang by adding a huge dose of sequins, sparkles, sambas and salsas to the strip,” claims ITV’s Kate Teckman.
“There’ll also be star guest performances and stunning solos, so hold onto your mirror balls – this is strictly the most ambitious Full Monty yet!”
■ Strictly The Real Full Monty is on Monday and Tuesday, ITV, 9pm