A man who lost both of his testicles to cancer has revealed how stripping in front of millions of people helped change his outlook on life.

Anthony Bigley, 45, appeared on ITV show The All New Monty, hoping to raise awareness of testicular and prostate cancer.

Anthony, from Southport, said emergency surgery and chemotherapy after his diagnosis in 2009 left him "looking like Freddy Krueger" – and too embarrassed to even take his clothes off in front of his wife.

But after the TV show, all that has changed, he told the Liverpool Echo .

Anthony said: "It was more frightening than the cancer even!

"You know, bearing your dangly bits and all your scars is terrifying but this was about laughing in the face of cancer and if it saves someone else and encourages someone to just check their self or see a doctor, then it's all good by me."

Prostate and testicular cancer survivors from all over the UK were gathered to join together and combat the stigma surrounding the unique losses they have experienced.

Their performance was viewed by millions across the UK as well as a 200 strong live audience.

Anthony was blown away by the crowds response, he said: "You know, you had Ashley Banjo and all these other guys who are in the gym everyday and when we went out, we were all shapes and sizes with just a sailor hat and a gold thong, but the reaction we got was unbelievable, you could feel the wind from the cheering and the clapping, it was unbelievable."

The Monty Army, which has become the adopted name of the lads who performed on Monday, has been met with an outpouring of praise on social media.

But as polished as the performance was, Anthony admitted it was definitely a nerve-wracking experience.

He said: "Everyone was in tears backstage after, it was euphoric, so emotional, it was like finding yourself again. It was the most uplifting experience of my life."

Before his diagnosis, Anthony was in line to receive a black belt in karate but after his treatment he "went from a young man to walking with a cane" and spent a decade working his way back to peak condition.

Two weeks ago he finally earned his black belt.

He said: "You know, it was really getting back into karate that boosted my confidence and even let me consider doing the show.

"My wife thought I was mad at first but she said 'If this is what you need to do, go for it' I couldn't have done it without her."

Since the performance was broadcast, Monty's Army has gone viral with hundreds of men reaching out to the group via their Facebook and Twitter pages, for support and a chance to share their experiences.

To anyone who might be suffering in silence Anthony added: "Don't be embarrassed about it, if we can stand naked in front of 12 million people, you can talk to a doctor, better to be embarrassed than dead."

If you believe you may be showing signs of testicular or prostate cancer, such as difficulty passing urine or unexplained pain in your testicles, you should visit your GP as soon as possible.

For anyone who wants to reach out to the Monty Army you can contact them over twitter: @themontyarmy

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