What made you agree to take part in The Real Full Monty?
Awareness around prostate cancer, really. Ultimately it’s trying to get men to talk about their health problems and get themselves checked. I didn’t have any desire to take my clothes off, that wasn’t on my bucket list, and I used to spend my life in a pair of trunks, so it’s only one step further.
What has the process been like building up to the performance?
Fun, fun, fun, and nerve-wracking. A learning process, learning a lot about yourself and about other people, and the dynamics of the group. For me, as I did the Strictly tour, it was a bit like being back part of a team again and not wanting to let anyone else down. And we have a world-class choreographer and dancer teaching you, the best in the business.
What do you hope the outcome of the documentary will be?
It’s kind of weird in a sense that it’s a very male thing of the stiff upper lip, that there’s nothing wrong with me, and that it’s a weakness if you think that way. But ultimately I think blokes spend more on grooming than women, will talk about football, and everything but personal stuff. Whereas women are very good at that. So I think that’s the thing, we’re
What has been the highlight or funniest moment from filming for you?
There have been a lot of funny moments. At the rehearsal today, Wayne’s trousers didn’t come off, and of course these things are going to happen. Actually, when we performed up in Sheffield, everything came off at the right time, but the bigger thing is, all this is about raising awareness. So whilst it might not be perfect, if we’re willing to do this, people should
be able to go and get themselves checked trying to get women to talk to their husbands or partners and vice versa. And mates, if you can have conversations with mates.
Are you a fan of the original film?
I remember watching it when it first came out and really enjoying it, it was a fun movie. And I think that it’s quite interesting in terms of that I’m now 47, and I was 27 then, and you see things differently now and you see all the messages.
Does the fact that you’re used to wearing Speedos make the stripping less scary?
No, because even then you’ve still got something covering your modesty. That tiny bit of clothing is still clothing, you’re covered up. And no matter who you are, everyone’s got a thing about their bits. And that was the nerve-wracking thing about Sheffield, thinking ‘We’re gonna do it, we’re gonna do it,’ It’s a bit like doing a bungee jump, as soon as you’re off, you’re off!
