Jeff Brazier has said his son wants to follow in his footsteps by raising awareness of detecting cancer symptoms early.
The former Shipwrecked star, who is dad to Bobby, 14, and Freddie, 13, was among the celebrities raising awareness for men’s cancers during ITV’s The Full Monty Live on Wednesday night.
Jeff and stars including TOWIE’s James ‘Arg’ Argent, Pointless host Alexander Armstrong and ex EastEnders actor John Partridge all re-enacted The Full Monty in front of a live studio audience and viewers at home.
The routine was choreographed by Dancing On Ice judge Ashley Banjo, who co-hosted the event with Alexander.
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Taking to social media afterwards, Jeff told fans how he’d received a text message just before going on stage that put everything into perspective.
“Tonight was emotional. A mixture of pride, nerves, exhilaration and realisation all felt in such a short space of time. Enough time though to convey an incredibly important and powerful message,” he said.
“Ultimately I don’t want any more children to grow up without a parent on account of potentially treatable illnesses. Everyone had such powerful stories of their own.
“I’m grateful that my son put it into perspective for me by texting me probably about ten minutes before we performed, telling me he was really proud of me and I was a ledge for doing it.
“And he said I should tell Ashley that in a few years’ time, when he’s old enough, he will want to help carry on his mum’s legacy.
“It just absolutely floored me emotionally and turned the performance from performing a routine into something far greater and bigger than something I ever really imagined it would be.”
Jeff added: “I’m grateful for being part of a production that carried a very serious message and I think it seemed to carry far and wide, so surely there will be a life or two that has been saved and that will just be the most incredible feeling of satisfaction.”
The television presenter has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of early cancer detection, after his ex-girlfriend, Jade Goody, the mother of his children, died from cervical cancer.
He said on the ITV programme: “I’m here because my children lost their mum nine years ago and it was potentially avoidable if their mum had checked herself.
“Raising kids for the last nine years without their mum has been incredibly difficult. The reason for me being here is literally life or death.”
Jeff has said in the past Jade received a letter reminding her to come in for a cervical test, but she failed to make that crucial appointment.
The Real Full Monty also featured The Wanted’s Tom Parker, ex footballer John Hartson, former rugby player Ugo Monye and chef Ainsley Harriott.
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All the men spoke about their desire to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer, with many of them having personal experience with the diseases.
As well as the big stripping finale, the programme featured a live testicle check, with This Morning’s Dr Chris checking Ashley live on the show.
There were also real life stories and a reunion of The Real Full Monty 2017 stars.
Fans flooded Jeff’s Instagram comments to tell him how proud they were of all the men who took part.
One wrote: “It was a great show with a powerful message … well done.”
Another said: “You were all truly amazing! And that text from your son says it all!”
A third agreed: “Amazing!! Well done. Such a great way to raise awareness for such a important cause. You are a great role model to your boys.”
The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night airs at 9pm on Thursday on ITV.
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