EASTENDERS actress Laila Morse will strip down naked on TV as she joins Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing stars on The Real Full Monty.
The ITV show – which sees celebrities take to the stage in the nude to raise awareness for cancer checks – is set to return to screens this Christmas.
Diversity dancer Ashley Banjo will lead the line-up of new hopefuls including Albert Square legend Laila, 76.
The actress is best known for playing iconic soap character ‘Big Mo’ Harris since 2000 making on-and-off appearances until June 2021.
She will be joined on stage by Strictly Come Dancing professionals James and Ola Jordan, Blue frontman Duncan James and model Christine McGuinness.
Olympian Colin Jackson, Loose Women star Brenda Edwards and TV presenter Martin Roberts have also signed up to take part this year.
While reality stars including Love Island’s Teddy Soares and Demi Jones will also strip down and tell stories of how cancer has affected them and their families.
Laila is set to become the oldest contestant to ever take part in the show – following Dame Jenni Murray, 72, Wayne Sleep, 73 and Bob Champion, 73.
Dancer Ashely said of the upcoming series: “I’m so excited to be working with a new brilliant, bold and brave line-up of celebrities for Strictly the Real Full Monty.
“It’s going to be our biggest musical dance extravaganza yet and we are determined to get the message out there that early cancer checks in intimate areas save lives.
“So don’t forget to check your bits and baubles this Christmas!”
Earlier this year, Laila shocked EastEnders fans when she exited the soap after more than 20 years on our TV screens.
An EastEnders spokeswoman said: “Just like many occasions before, Big Mo will be departing Walford but as always she’ll no doubt be back in the not too distant future”.
But the Daily Star had claimed the exit would be final with a source telling the publication: “Laila is leaving the show. Her current contract is coming to an end and execs agreed this was a good time to write her out.
“It also claims that bosses had ruled out killing off the matriarch of the Slater family.
The source added: “It hasn’t been decided how Big Mo will leave.“But it is unlikely to be too explosive and she definitely won’t die.”
Actress Laila has taken many breaks over the years so another isn’t unusual, last returning in March 2018 after years of sporadic appearances.
