BOLTON broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire has received praise for her "strength, vulnerability and beauty" after baring all on television.
The award-winning journalist from Ramsbottom was one of a team of eight celebrities performing on ITV's The Real Full Monty: Ladies' Night to raise awareness about breast cancer.
In a tweet, Victoria said: "If you watch it, I hope you’ll laugh, maybe you’ll cry, but mostly I hope you’ll take away one message: please check yourselves."
Viewers were left in tears due to the show which aired last night.
Wearing nothing but their hearts on their sleeves 💕 This took courage and we couldn't be more proud 👏 #AllNewMonty @NolanColeen @Vicderbyshire @DaniArmstrong88 @LaurieBrettX @MeganBHanson @Martina @LisaMaffiaUK @Crissy_Rock pic.twitter.com/bj0EhiRIzY
— ITV (@ITV) May 7, 2019
In the second 90-minute ITV special, former Bury Grammar pupil Victoria and Loose Women's Coleen Nolan — with the help of Ashley Banjo — put the women through their paces as they learnt a striptease routine which they then had to perform in front of the audience.
Bolton Wanderers supporter Victoria, aged 49, was joined by tennis icon Martina Navratilova, ex EastEnders star Laurie Brett, Love Island’s Megan Barton-Hanson, So Solid Crew rapper Lisa Maffia, former TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong and Benidorm actress Crissy Rock.
All of the stars have been affected by breast cancer in some way.
Overwhelmed By Last Nights “The All New Monty Ladies Night” ☺️ Waking up to so many messages from both Ladies & Men telling me how they have now checked themselves for the first time just from watching the last two shows on @ITV 🙏🏻 Honestly means the world to me #TheAllNewMonty pic.twitter.com/PhZF8D1qHr
— Danielle Armstrong (@Daniarmstrong88) May 8, 2019
ITV viewers took to social media to praise the female celebrities who had dared to brave all to raise awareness of breast cancer.
One individual wrote: "Vulnerability is strength. Go amazing women.
"Thank you for showing us your fears and strength and beauty Victoria Derbyshire and Co."
Here come the girls, baring it all for a good cause 🙌 💁♀️👊#AllNewMonty @NolanColeen @Vicderbyshire @DaniArmstrong88 @LaurieBrettX @MeganBHanson @Martina @LisaMaffiaUK @Crissy_Rock @AshleyBanjo pic.twitter.com/DVwk96EsVQ
— ITV (@ITV) May 7, 2019
Another posted: "You are wonderful women INSIDE and out. What a team. Full Monty 2019 was so real and emotional, life affirming and revealing of the human condition. Thank you for sharing your stories and showing bravery. Your beauty radiated out of the TV."
another year done🤩🙌🏼 absolutely loved working on this show, and what an inspiration they all are 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 #AllNewMonty pic.twitter.com/GrT2K9nYX2
— katie (@katie_pearcee) May 8, 2019
Victoria, who grew up in Turton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a right-side mastectomy and reconstruction on her breast. Although admitting to having a few fears about taking part in the show, she realises its importance: “It’s not just nudity for the sake of it, or for looking glamorous. It’s nudity for a purpose – to say this is what can happen when you get a diagnosis of breast cancer. And this is why it can be OK,” she told the Radio Times.
Victoria explained that they had all got involved and “bonded” because all their lives have been touched by cancer.
Wow watching the ladies full Monty for womens cancer. A huge well done to all the ladies but especially Victoria Derbyshire as being that open takes guts. #femalecancerawareness ladies get checked......5 mins of reduced dignity can save your life
— Vicky Clemson (@ClemsonVicky) May 7, 2019
In a tweet last night, Victoria thanked viewers for their support and called for women to "get checked."
THANK YOU for all your support - it means absolutely everything ❤️💕 now PLEASE GO AND CHECK YOURSELF #AllNewMonty pic.twitter.com/mJs8Xlk7SQ
— Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) May 7, 2019
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