THERE was something gloriously celebratory about The Real Full Monty Ladies Night on TV.

A group of eight female celebrities – including presenter Victoria Derbyshire who grew up in Turton – performed a dance routine in which they shed their clothes in front of a live audience. They were doing this to promote awareness of breast cancer and women checking their breasts.

Victoria, aged 49 and a mother-of-two, had stage 2 lobular breast cancer in 2015 and proved a brave advocate at the time, charting her journey publicly to help others.

Breast cancer surgery can make women often feel de-feminised and not wanting anyone to see their bodies and Victoria experienced several crises of confidence before the broadcast. But the fact that she did it, and well, is a huge credit to her and the other women involved.

She was very emotional afterwards but realised from the public reaction – 5.9 million watched the programme – and the positive comments that the thinking behind it had worked. Congratulations, ladies – you were awesome!