James Argent has been praised by viewers after bravely getting naked live on TV for The Real Full Monty. The TOWIE star was joined by the likes of Jeff Brazier, Ashley Banjo, Ainsley Harriott and John Partridge to perform a striptease routine to Tom Jones' You Can Leave Your Hat On to help raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. The celebs stripped off on stage in Sheffield in front of a cheering audience, with James joining the rest of the men in getting completely naked at the end. Leading up to the live performance, it was touch and go as to whether he would totally strip off, as he spoke throughout the show about his body confidence issues. But he ultimately decided to take part in honour of his grandad, who passed away from prostate cancer.
© Photo: RexJames Argent was one of the stars taking part in ITV's The Real Full Monty
During the 90-minute ITV special, 28-year-old James admitted: "I'm more worried about my body rather than my private parts. It's definitely exposed some insecurities of mine. The thought of me tasking my kit off in the shape I'm in now petrifies me. I don't think I can do it. I need to make some changes."
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Shortly before taking to the stage, the reality star shared a touching message on Instagram. Alongside a photo showing him with his grandad, he wrote: "There's been lots of speculation as to whether I am going to go ahead Tonight with The Real Full Monty...My Grandfather Seamus Hanley died of Prostate Cancer 15 years ago.
© Photo: RexThe celebs stripped off to help raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer
"He was my best friend who I love & look up to! I'm taking part in this later in honour of him & his memory. I will not let him, My family, friends & the lads down! I’m not confident in my body or appearance at the moment and finding it hard but it’s not about me. It's about Beating Cancer & Raising awareness! So here we go...Tune into @itv NOW & Enjoy!!! Love Arg xxx."
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Girlfriend Gemma Collins also took to social media to share her pride at James' bravery. "So PROUD of you tonight," she wrote. "You're always gorgeous to me no matter what and don’t like to see you so insecure about your body you must never be insecure and always own who you are all different it’s what’s in your heart that always counts. "#supportyourman #bodyconfidence #selflove."
