The Only Way Is Essex star James ‘Arg’ Argent opened up about his body confidence issues as he stripped live on TV.
The reality TV personality was among a celebrity line-up stripping as part of The Real Full Monty on ITV on Wednesday night to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer.
He was joined by the likes of dancer Ashley Banjo, The Wanted’s Tom Parker, chef Ainsley Harriot, presenter Alexander Armstrong and former footballer John Hartson.
My Grandad Seamus Hanely who died of Prostrate Cancer 15 years ago, I love & miss him so much. This is for you!#BeatCancer #RaiseAwareness @itv NOW #TheRealFullMonty #Live pic.twitter.com/KsYy10S6fr
— James Argent (@RealJamesArgent) March 28, 2018
In a clip from training, Argent refused to shower with his fellow celebrities, citing the project was “exposing some insecurities”.
“I’m not gonna lie the thought of taking my kit off, the shape I’m in at the moment, petrifies me. I need to make some changes,” he added.
STANDING OVATION FOR THESE GUYS! 👏👏👏 #RealFullMonty @ITV 💙 pic.twitter.com/dOiGWDxQ4o
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) March 28, 2018
In rehearsals Argent also refused to do a full strip, leaving on his T-shirt and underwear.
But for the live performance in Sheffield, Argent – whose grandfather died of prostate cancer – managed to overcome his fears as he performed the routine.
Fantastic lads #TheFullMonty and well done #Arg 👏👏👏👏👏👏
— sharron (@shazmall) March 28, 2018
The star was backed by fans on social media who said they had a “new found respect” for him.
@Shazmall wrote on Twitter: “Fantastic lads #TheFullMonty and well done #Arg.”
@RealJamesArgent should be so proud of himself! To watch him from the start to the finish and the confidence he got was amazing! You did it Arg! you should be so happy 😘 #TheRealFullMonty
— Danielle Hemming (@dan_dan2788) March 28, 2018
@RealJamesArgent has tonight shown body confidence issues aren’t only with women and totally hats off to you arg you should be proud of your self! You did a great job as did the other lads #TheRealFullMonty
— Sammie Wild (@sammiejanes2011) March 28, 2018
@SamLloyddd posted: “Fair play to Arg, it’s not just women that are embarrassed about their bodies. Especially someone that is so young and in the media spotlight much more than anyone else on that stage.”
Poor Arg. He’s seriously insecure about his weight gain. 😔 #TheFullMonty
— [ • • ] Jacquie (@JCH999) March 28, 2018
@Anxiwarrior tweeted: “All doing an awesome thing but to be honest, I think Arg is a bit of a legend for doing that when he was so clearly uncomfortable about it.”
#TheFullMonty What a great way to raise awareness! Arg was comedy gold 😂
— Katie Crossland (@kt_1109) March 28, 2018
@PoppyJayne2 posted: “New found respect for arg!!! So sweet!”
@Dan_Dan2788 tweeted: “@RealJamesArgent should be so proud of himself! To watch him from the start to the finish and the confidence he got was amazing! You did it Arg! you should be so happy.”