BROADCASTER Victoria Derbyshire has been praised after she joined seven other women and bared all to raise awareness of breast cancer.

The BAFTA winning journalist performed in ITV's Real Full Monty: Ladies' night on Thursday evening.

She shed her clothes after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a right-side mastectomy and reconstruction on her breast.

Victoria, who grew up in Turton, took to the stage in front of a packed theatre audience and millions of people watching at home to try and stop more people getting breast cancer or help catch it early.

Bolton Wanderers supporter Victoria, aged 49, was joined by fellow celebrities Coleen Nolan, singer Michelle Heaton, Hi-de-Hi star Ruth Madoc, reality TV star Megan McKenna, Emmerdale actress Sally Dexter, actress Helen Lederer and presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford.

Before the performance they visited the Moulin Rouge in Paris and dance supremo Ashley Banjo led them on their journey.

They then took to the stage and performed to This is Me from the smash hit move musical The Greatest Showman.

They received a standing ovation from the watching audience before "ladies check your boobs" flashed up on the screen.

Victoria broke down in tears during the first rehearsal as they learned the first steps on the road to the performance.

She explained before the performance that all the women got involved and bonded because all their lives had been touched by cancer.

Victoria was widely praised on social media for her bravery in baring all after her mastectomy.

Several tweeted her to share their response and thank her and the other women.

The BBC presenter took to Twitter herself following the show, she said: "Your support means everything. Thank you so much. Women - check your boobs!"

An average of 5.2million people watched the performance and figures peaked at 5.9million.

The idea for the women to take part in the performance came after a group of male celebrities took part last year.

Speaking to the Radio Times, Victoria said: "It’s not just nudity for the sake of it, or for looking glamorous. It’s nudity for a purpose – to say this is what can happen when you get a diagnosis of breast cancer. And this is why it can be OK."

She also said nudity at home is no big deal but the show was on a different scale altogether.