Viewers praise EastEnders' Laila Morse after stripping to reveal cancer scars

The Real Full Monty was back on our screens on Monday night with a brand new line-up of brave celebrities.

Lead by Diversity star Ashley Banjo, the first episode saw the cast preparing to take on the ultimate challenge of baring all in front the nation.

This awareness-raising programme, which has a Strictly spin on it this year, features a list of famous faces who have each been affected by cancer - whether that be a personal battle, or losing a loved one.

Amongst the stars stripping off for charity are Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards, Love Island stars Teddy Soares and Demi Jones and Blue singer Duncan James.

READ MORE: Christine McGuinness reveals she almost pulled out of 'overwhelming' Real Full Monty performance

During last night's episode, choreographer Ashley Banjo was seen supporting the anxious celebrities as they began rehearsing for the all-important dance in Blackpool.

The cast are gearing up to get naked to emphasise to viewers how crucial it is to get checked, and how checking for cancer can save their lives.

Throughout rehearsals, some celebrities such as Christine McGuinness were daunted by the process, with the Real Housewives of Cheshire star revealing how the autism impacts her ability to socialise.

And when it came down to the showing their first striptease in rehearsals, the majority of women shied away from exposing themselves.

But it was EastEnder's star Laila Morse, who is best known for her role as Big Mo, who took the plunge and went topless as she danced in front of her fellow celebrities.

The ladies began their routine wearing trench coats, but the brave actress soon whipped hers off to reveal her breasts and proudly show off her scars.

During the show 76-year-old Laila opened up about her own personal battle with cancer.

She revealed that she first noticed a change in her breasts whilst doing some gardening, and that it was her friend and EastEnders co-star Wendy Richards who encouraged her to go and get them checked.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2001, Laila managed to beat the disease and recovered within a year.

However, sadly, her close friend Wendy was then diagnosed with breast cancer herself and passed away in February 2009 aged 65.

"I did go to the doctors after she’d told me to and I did actually go in and have a lumpectomy so that’s how I know that I had cancer," Laila revealed.

"If it wasn’t for Wendy then I don't think I would have been here today."

Laila became emotional as she began to explain that she was doing this for Wendy.

After her full strip in rehearsals, Laila bravely said: "I had cancer and if I had died I wouldn't be doing this would I."

And viewers were full of praise for the actress who was hailed a 'legend' and a 'true inspiration'.

"Laila Morse reminds me so much of my Nan. She just doesn’t give a crap what anyone thinks of her! What a woman," said Georgia Harrison.

Jamie Robinson said: "What a women #LailaMorse is true inspiration #strictlyfullmonty."

"Just finished watching #StrictlyFullMonty and Laila Morse - what a legend. A heart of pure gold," Toby praised.

Viewer Anne added: "Thank you #LailaMorse on behalf of all of us women with odd boobs. I cried."