Kelvin Fletcher - aka Emmerdale's Andy Sugden - is taking part in ITV's The All New Monty to shine a spotlight on male cancers. Kelvin tells us why men should get checked...
Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 35, on why he's daring to bare all in the name of cancer awareness...
What made you want to take part in this show?
Kelvin Fletcher: "My father-in-law had prostate cancer and, fortunately, his was a great success story. But we know we still need to get the message out there about the importance of getting checked."
What's the camaraderie been like between all the fellas?
KF: "It’s been an amazing journey to be on a level with everybody. There’s some really good, different dynamics with the different characters and we’ve all gelled so well. At times it’s felt more like a stag do because there’s been that camaraderie and such good spirits.
"But you’ve got Willie Thorne’s situation and a few of the others, where they’re dealing with prostate cancer either personally or in their family on a daily basis. So then that suddenly changes the tone. I think it just galvanises us all and there’s a real spirit among all of us of what we’re doing and why we’re doing it."
Do you think it's important that, as men, you're all very different?
KF: "Absolutely. We're all different shapes, sizes and ages and, for me, that's the best thing about it. If we all looked like Jack [Fincham, Love Island] or Matt [Evers, Dancing on Ice], I don't think the message would be as strong. But we're all completely different – I'm sure there are people out there that will relate to each of us."
So is it competitive among the guys?
KF: "There is one competition. But there’s already a clear winner for that! I think that’s probably the one we all wanted to win but from day one it was obvious!"
How are you feeling about performance night?
KF: "I think it's just about the performance for me. We all have our own inhibitions about baring all. But, on the night, I just want to get the routine down to a T. And focus on the message of what we're doing and why we're doing it. If we're willing to get naked on national TV in front of millions of people, hopefully that will be the catalyst for other men to go and see their doctor."
Watch ex Emmerdale favourite Kelvin and the fellas when The All New Monty: Who Bares Wins starts on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, at 9pm on ITV. The All New Monty Ladies' Night follows on Tuesday May 7 at 9pm on ITV.
