Duncan James paid tribute to Sarah Harding on 'Strictly The Real Full Monty'.
Duncan James is taking part in Sarah Harding's memory
The Blue singer is taking part in the two-part ITV show in memory of his late friend - who tragically died aged 39 of breast cancer in September - and he opened up on his decision to strip off for the programme, which raises awareness for life-saving health checks.
On Monday (13.12.21), he said: "A lot of my friends from the music industry have suffered with breast cancer, and one of those friends, Sarah Harding, sadly lost her battle this year.
"Sarah was always such a bubbly girl, full of life, full of fun, biggest smile, and to hear the news that she’d lost the battle – it was just heartbreaking."
He added that he'd "feel like I was doing something good" if just one person is impacted by his appearance on the show.
Duncan is taking his clothes off on the show alongside the likes of 'Love Island' star Teddy Soares', 'Homes Under The Hammer' presenter Martin Roberts, dancing couple James and Ola Jordan, and Laila Morse.
The 'All Rise' singer recently noted that filming the show was "scarier" than anything he'd done before and spoke of how "sad" he felt when he found out Sarah was battling the disease.
He said: "This was way scarier than performing with Blue, but I hope it encourages people to check themselves. We did gigs with Girls Aloud… I was closest to Sarah.
"I felt very sad when I found out she had cancer. With the whole Covid thing, she didn’t want people to go and see her."
Duncan also revealed he was inspired to take up the stripping challenge by his other friend and pop star Anastacia, 53 - who has survived cancer twice - before urging people to check for signs of the "horrible" disease.
He explained: "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.
"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."
'Strictly The Real Full Monty' continues on Tuesday (14.12.21) at 9pm on ITV.
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