'Inspirational' All New Monty stars praised for encouraging viewers to check for cancer symptoms

The female stars of ITV’s ‘The All New Monty: Ladies Night’ have been widely praised online for encouraging viewers to check for symptoms of cancer.

On Monday evening, eight celebrities - including Coleen Nolan, television presenter Victoria Derbyshire, tennis champion Martina Navratilova and actress Crissy Rock - performed a striptease in front of the nation.

The aim behind bearing all was to encourage women to have regular smear tests and to check their breasts - and it seems the show has already had a positive impact on fans.

READ MORE: The symptoms of anal cancer to look out for

‘The Only Way is Essex’ star Danielle Armstrong, who stripped onstage, took to Twitter to reveal that a number of fans were inspired to check themselves for the first time.

She wrote [sic], “Overwhelmed By Last Nights ‘The All New Monty Ladies Night’ Waking up to so many messages from both Ladies & Men telling me how they have now checked themselves for the first time just from watching the last two shows on @ITV Honestly means the world to me.”

ITV also tweeted a congratulatory message to the women involved which saw a number of fans praise the celebrities’ bravery.

“I take my hat off to all you wonderful ladies for being so courageous and inspirational in the continued research to eradicate this dreadful disease,” one wrote.

Another added, “This will save lives.”

Over 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK while approximately nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day.

Women aged between 25 to 64 in the UK are invited to regular cervical screenings (smear tests) to check the health of the cervix.

While The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites all women aged between 50 and 70 for screening every three years.

If you are over the age of 70, then you won’t be automatically invited and will need to make an appointment with your GP.

The symptoms of breast cancer to look out for

• A change in the size, shape or feel of a breast

• A new lump or thickening in a breast or armpit

• Skin changes such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin

• Fluid leaking from a nipple

• Changes in the position of a nipple

• Breast pain

The symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for

• Pain and discomfort during sex

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding during or after sex, between periods or after you have been through the menopause

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• Pain in the lower back or pelvis