Coleen Nolan has revealed she didn’t know she’d be baring all to millions of viewers until she turned up to start filming ITV’s The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night.
The Loose Women host thought she had only signed up to present the show before producers dropped the bombshell on day one, and she realised there had been a “massive miscommunication”.
Coleen is part of an eight-strong all-female line-up stripping naked on Thursday night to raise breast cancer awareness, 24 hours after the boys’ live performance.
The 53-year-old said: “I was initially asked to present it, so I agreed. And it was only on the first day of filming that I realised, ‘Oh you are presenting it but you’re also part of it and you’re getting your baps out at the end’.
“And it was too late to back out! They (production) kept saying to me, ‘We want to make sure you’re comfortable’, and I kept saying, ‘Why wouldn’t I be comfortable?’.
“Then I realised it was a massive miscommunication on both sides!”
Read more: Coleen Nolan reveals truth behind decision to divorce husband Ray Fensome
Coleen will be joined on stage by broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire, Emmerdale’s Sally Dexter, reality start Megan McKenna, Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, Ab Fab’s Helen Lederer, Hi-de-Hi! legend Ruth Madoc and TV presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford.
Their routine has been choreographed by Diversity’s Ashley Banjo, who masterminded last year’s Real Full Monty performance.
It was such a success that another all-male cast are performing live on ITV on Wednesday night.
The brave souls getting down to their birthday suits are TV presenter Jeff Brazier, rugby player Ugo Monye, Towie’s James “Arg” Argent, The Wanted’s Tom Parker, ex-footballer John Hartson, celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott and former EastEnder John Partridge.
But the girls are determined not to be outshone by the boys.
Coleen said: “When I spoke to Ashley before all this, I said, ‘There should be a girls’ version’, so it started coming about from that as well. I have to say though, I’m absolutely loving it.
“The boys were so amazing last year and I loved watching the show from home, so I can’t quite believe I’ll be taking part myself this time with a group of fabulous ladies who, like me, have all been touched by the shadows cancer casts over us.
“Although I’m terrified about what I’ve let myself in for, considering I won’t even wear a bikini on the beach, let alone get my kit off in front of 2,500 people and millions at home, getting women to talk about breast cancer checks is way more important than any body hang-ups or nerves I’ve got.
“We are determined to give the audience a show they will never forget and hopefully raise awareness that could help save lives.”
Don’t miss out: Three steps to ensure you see all ED!’s latest news on Facebook
The ladies visited the legendary Moulin Rouge in Paris to get inspiration for the show, and they will be wearing dresses designed by Julien MacDonald… for part of the performance, at least.
Their feat also marks 20 years since The Calendar Girls stripped off and posed for their iconic calendar, which the group recreated as part of their preparation.
* The Real Full Monty: Live is on ITV at 9pm on Wednesday, followed by Ladies Night 24 hours later.