ITV has decided to discontinue “The Real Full Monty” show due to difficulties in finding celebrities willing to bare all. The series, which began in 2017 with a men-only edition aimed at raising awareness, later included women to highlight female cancers. Over the years, various themed shows were produced, such as ones inspired by Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice, with the most recent having a festive twist.
Despite the show’s success, securing stars willing to strip off in front of a live audience and millions on camera has proven challenging. The decision to rest the show for 2024 was made after last year’s December airing featured celebrities like Julia Bradbury, Paul Burrell, and Gemma Collins. Ashley Banjo, a dance expert who coached the recruits and choreographed the routines, played a significant role in the series inspired by the 1997 film.
A source revealed the difficulty in convincing celebrities to bare all, even for a good cause like raising cancer awareness. The grand finale of each strip-tease performance was a highlight, with stars shedding their last piece of clothing as the audience cheered. The personal stories of the celebrities, sharing how cancer has impacted them, added depth to the show.
While there are no current plans for the programme’s return next year, an ITV spokesperson confirmed that they are open to new ideas for “The Real Full Monty.” Coleen Nolan, a regular participant, once expressed her fears about stripping but emphasised the importance of promoting breast cancer checks. The format has been successful globally and led to an increase in potentially life-saving screenings.
In March, Daniela Neumann of producer Spun Gold TV highlighted the show’s impact worldwide, encouraging more people to undergo health check-ups. The decision to suspend “The Real Full Monty” underscores the challenges of recruiting celebrities for such a public display. Despite its hiatus, the show’s legacy in raising awareness about cancer screening remains significant.