08 November 2023 , 12:58
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Former TOWIE star Gemma Collins is set to bare all alongside a host of celebrities including Paul Burrell for the return of ITV Christmas special The Real Full Monty.
Hosted by Britain's Got Talent star and choreographer Ashley Banjo and Loose Women's Coleen Nolan, viewers will see the celebrities overcome their insecurities as they perform on stage in front of an audience and strip completely naked. Other stars include TV presenter Julia Bradbury, former Coronation Street actress Sherrie Hewson, Dancing on Ice pro skater Vanessa Bauer, footballer and TV personality Ashley Cain, ex-England rugby international Ben Cohen, actor Nick Collier - better known as Ella Vaday - from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
Gemma Collins has joined this year's line-up of The Real Full Monty (GEMMACOLLINS/iNSTAGRAM)
Paul Burrell signs up for The Real Full Monty (Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)And although the show is set to have its twists and turns as they come to terms with publicly baring all, the stars have joined the show for a more serious reason. An ITV spokesperson said: "As well as following the celebs as they overcome their fears and insecurities about performing and baring all, the show will reveal the deeply personal and significant reasons why each person has decided to take part in raising awareness of cancers in intimate areas of the body and the crucial importance of early self-checks to help save lives."
They added: "There will be jingle bells and baubles galore as presenting duo Ashley Banjo and Coleen Nolan are back to take a new troupe of brave celebrities by the hand and put them through their paces as they prepare to take to the stage for an exciting and glittering festive dance extravaganza, which will see them bare all to raise awareness of life-saving cancer checks." During the show two years ago viewers saw EastEnders star Laila Morse strip off, despite being in a wheelchair. The actress, 78, who played Big Mo Harris in the soap, had sprained her ankle but was determined to fulfill her commitments to the show.
At the time Laila explained that Ashely had told her she couldn't take part in the show in Blackpool because she was unable to stand due to her injury. But thankfully for Laila, the crew came up with the idea of a wheelchair for the star to sit in. As she was wheeled out on stage in the chair decorated with feathers, Laila began to cry with the emotion of it all. At the time Laila told The Sun: "Everyone was cheering and screaming and shouting, it was fabulous. I was choked — it made me cry. It was wonderful and made me feel good that I’d done it. I take my clothes off when I’m on holiday, so I’m not bothered about showing anything off."
TOWIE's Chloe Brockett makes cheeky dig at Saffron Lempriere during filming
Laila was joined on stage by former Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan, Blue's Duncan James and Christine McGuinness. Love Islanders Demi Jones and Teddy Soares, Loose Women's Brenda Edwards and Coleen Nolan, property show host Martin Roberts and Welsh Olympian Colin Jackson completed the 2021 line-up.