Duncan James pays tribute to Sarah Harding on Strictly the Real Full Monty

Duncan James has paid a lovely tribute to late friend Sarah Harding during Strictly the Real Full Monty.

James revealed that the Girls Aloud star – who passed away in September this year after battling breast cancer – inspired him to take part in the ITV show.

Hosted by Ashley Banjo, Strictly the Real Full Monty saw celebrities recreate the famous striptease scene from 1997 movie The Full Montyto raise awareness of life-saving cancer checks.

Mike Marsland

Related: Cheryl pays tribute to late bandmate Sarah Harding on her 40th birthday

During tonight's (December 13) programme, the singer and former Blue member remembered Harding as "such a bubbly girl, full of life".

He then added that, although not especially comfortable with it, he was willing to lay bare for such an important cause.

"If I can just help get awareness for one person, I'll do it," he continued.

James was joined by EastEnders legend Laila Morse, ballroom dancer James Jordan and Real Housewives of Cheshire's Christine McGuinness. The line-up also featured Olympic sprinter and hurdler Colin Jackson, presenters Brenda Edwards and Martin Roberts, and Love Island stars Teddy Soares and Demi Jones.

ITV

Related: Former Hollyoaks star Duncan James admits he found working on a soap "really, really hard work"

Fans of the show were touched by James' shoutout to Harding and took to Twitter to express their feelings.

"Emotional at the talk of Sarah Harding still can’t believe she's gone," one person wrote.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

"RIP Sarah Harding, absolute legend. Great to see Duncan doing this for his friend," another viewer added.

James was also affected by one of his closest friends being diagnosed with breast cancer.

"As well as Sarah, one of my best friends is Anastasia. I have been with her when she has gone through breast cancer twice. We are so close, and it was really tough," he told The Mirror ahead of the show.

"Cancer is horrible. I hope people will check themselves regularly. And if they do see any lumps, it is so important to definitely not leave it and think it will be alright."

If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io