BROADCASTER Victoria Derbyshire is set to strip away the myths surrounding breast cancer in more ways than one.

The award-winning journalist will be one of a team of eight celebrities performing in ITV’s The Real Full Monty: Ladies’ Night to raise awareness of the disease.

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.

Bolton Wanderers supporter Victoria, aged 49, will be joined by fellow celebrities Coleen Nolan, singer Michelle Heaton, Hi-de-Hi star Ruth Madoc, reality TV star Megan McKenna, Emmerdale actress Sally Dexter, actress Helen Lederer and presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford.

Victoria, who was born in Ramsbottom, explained that they had all got involved and “bonded” because all their lives have been touched by cancer.

The team got some top tips when they visited the legendary Moulin Rouge in Paris. Dance supremo Ashley Banjo has also been helping them out with their choreography.

Victoria, a former Bury Grammar pupil, said that nudity at home is “no big deal” and revealed that she often walks around naked in front of her partner Mark Sandell and their two sons Oliver and Joe.

“I am happy for them to see what a mum of two who’s had breast cancer looks like,” she said.

“They don’t bat an eyelid. Of course they don’t. I’m their mum. But what we are planning to do (on television) is on a different scale altogether.”

Unlike the ladies themselves, details of their performance are being kept under wraps. But you can see how they get on by watching The Real Full Monty: Ladies’ Night on ITV next Thursday at 9pm.