Smash hit ITV reality series returning for new series after years off screen – with major twist
IT’S been two years since we saw a gaggle of celebrities bare their wares for a good cause in The Real Full Monty – now a fresh batch of brave souls are set to do it again.
Diversity frontman Ashley Banjo is likely to return to host ITV’s saucy stripping extravaganza which aims to raise awareness of men’s and women’s cancers.
As the name suggests it’s based on the 1997 movie, starring Robert Carlyle, which chronicled the desperate a lengths a group of sacked steelworkers would go to to make money.
A TV insider said: “This show proved hugely popular with viewers because it raised a laugh while shining a spotlight on serious subjects.
“In previous years producers have tried to put a twist on the overall theme and this year is likely to be no exception.
“The celebrities, who’ve yet to be revealed, will face a nervous wait to find out if that twist is likely to add even more pressure.”
The Real Full Monty first aired in 2017 with just male stars taking part. The line up included McFly hunk Harry Judd, dancer Wayne Sleep and soap pin-up Matthew Wolfenden.
By series four a line-up of famous ladies were also taking part including soap actors Linda Lusardi, Hayley Tamaddon and presenter Coleen Nolan.
To make matters worse they had to strip off while ice skating.
Then in the last series in 2021, which featured Christine McGuinness and Love Island’s Demi Jones, it had developed a Strictly Come Dancing vibe.
What next, The Real Full Monty in Space? They’d better get their helmets ready.
KELLIE’S MURDERY MYSTERY
EASTENDERS fans were stunned when the BBC1 soap aired a surprise “flash forward” murder scene at the end of Monday’s episode.
But the dark moment, which viewers will see again when it airs this Christmas, came as a shock to actress Kellie Bright too.
Her character Linda Carter is one of the six Albert Square matriarchs standing over a man’s dead body for the mystery scene.
Speaking about it on This Morning, Kellie said: “We weren’t told much at all. We filmed it two ways so we had a ‘he’s dead’ and a ‘she’s dead.’
“We’ve all gone right round the houses of who we think it could be. I think there’s going to be lots of red herrings and I think it’s going to shift and change throughout the year.”
Who knows, maybe the ratings might even get over three million . . .
ICE PROPS A BED IDEA FOR JOEY
ONE lucky Dancing On Ice couple will get a lie-down during Sunday night’s show – as the items for Props Week include a BED.
No doubt show lovebirds Joey Essex and pro dance partner Vanessa Bauer will fancy that, but other props include a surfboard, flag, oar, feather boa and trolley.
Which couple gets which will be revealed on the night.
An insider on the ITV show said: “There were laughs when the bed was mentioned, with many of the celebs joking they could lay down and have a rest while letting their pro partners do all the work.”
During last weekend’s show, Joey tried to land a kiss on Vanessa’s lips during their routine. Should they get a bed, he may need a muzzle.
LAUREN’S BAGGED PIRIE No2
ITV has green lit a second series of Karen Pirie following its successful debut last year.
Three episodes have been commissioned based on A Darker Domain, the second in the bestselling series of Val McDermid’s classic cold case novels.
Vigil star Lauren Kyle will continue to play the title role of the Scottish investigator with a tenacious desire for the truth.
Her character Karen reopens the unsolved kidnap case of a young heiress and her baby son back in 1985.
World Productions, the makers of BBC One smash Line of Duty, are behind the drama.
Lauren is beaming about the show’s return, especially being reunited with a particular accessory.
She says: “I’m thrilled we’ll continue the life of our fearless young detective Karen Pirie and, of course, her bumbag.”
DUO ARE MAKING IT BIG ON C4
TWO of the UK’s top female acting talents are teaming up for a new Channel 4 comedy.
Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan and It’s A Sin’s Lydia West play best pals Maggie and Eddie in Big Mood.
The six-parter, written by Camilla Whitehill, will focus on the pair’s friendship when it is put to the test by the return of Maggie’s bipolar disorder.
Lydia says: “I’m so happy to be working with Camilla and Nicola on this project.
“The subject explores the mental health struggles all of our generation face – coupled with how to navigate nuanced and complicated friendship.”
“Channel 4 is the perfect home for this savvy comedy. I’m honoured to tell this story which touched my heart.”