The Real Full Monty On Ice’s Chris Hughes joins co-stars Jamie Lomas and Ashley Banjo at rehearsals

They’re set to strip off for charity as part of the line-up for The Real Full Monty On Ice.

But for the time being, stars including Chris Hughes, Ashley Banjo and Jamie Lomas kept themselves firmly covered up as they arrived for rehearsals at Riverside Ice Rink in Chelmsford Essex on Tuesday.

The trio bundled up against the cool November air as they headed inside ready to hone their skills on the ice. 

Love Island star Chris, 27, kept warm in black gym wear and a yellow beanie hat as he headed for practice on the rink.

While Dancing On Ice judge Ashley, 32, who is also co-hosting the show, donned a pale denim jacket and baggy cream trousers as he headed inside.

Hollyoaks actor Jamie, 45, meanwhile was taking no chances, bundling up in a padded black coat. 

The hunks appeared in good spirits as they led their co-stars and the professional skaters inside.

Among the professional skaters were Alexander Demetriou, who was dropped from next year’s Dancing On Ice line-up.

The skater caused controversy in the last series thanks to his closeness with skate partner Maura Higgins and subsequent split from wife and co-star Carlotta Edwards.

Last month, ITV  unveiled the celebrity line-up for The Real Full Monty On Ice, with a host of stars taking part in the name of charity.

The seasonal special sees a series of stars strip off and take to the rink to perform a routine to raise awareness about cancers which affect intimate areas of the body.

Joining Chris, Ashley and Jamie are former Woman’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray, 70, TV personality Linda Lusardi, 62, and Love Island’s Shaughna Phillips, 25.

Former rugby player Gareth Thomas, 46, will also take on the challenge, alongside Diversity dancer Perri Kiely, 24, actress Hayley Tamaddon, 43, TV star Jake Quickenden, 32, and This Morning’s Zoe Williams, 40. 

The show is to be presented by Dancing On Ice judge Ashley, who also took part in The Real Full Monty two years ago.

Coleen Nolan, 55, will co-host, having taken part in the female version in the past. Pro dancers will also join the rink to skate during the routines.

The programme will air across two 90-minute specials over the Christmas season.

Of the show, Ashley said: ‘We are so proud of what this show has achieved in reminding people to check themselves for early signs of cancer and we’re going all out this year to get that message across.

‘Following lockdown, when far fewer people were getting health checks, now more than ever this message is important.

‘Performing on ice will take the challenge to a whole new level – the celebrities won’t know what’s hit them! What could possibly go wrong?’

Coleen said: ‘I keep saying ‘never again’ to getting my kit off but the response we get from the millions of women who feel empowered to check themselves after the show is incredible, so here we go again!

‘This year is more personal than ever for me as two of my amazing sisters are battling cancer once more.

‘I’m inspired by them and everyone I meet who’s been touched by this dreadful disease, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be back leading a new awesome group of women, ready to bare all with me.

‘But as this year it’s on ice, let’s just hope we don’t get frostbite on our unmentionables!’