Towie’s Arg reveals body confidence issues as he strips for cancer awareness

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.

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.

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.

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.”

@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.”

@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.”

@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.”