Vanessa Bauer discovers self confidence by stripping off for The Real Full Monty

Vanessa Bauer feels "confident for the first time" on 'The Real Full Monty'.

The 'Dancing On Ice' skater - who has spoken candidly about battling an eating disorder as a teenager - has opened up about her lifelong struggle with body dysmorphia and how stripping off for the ITV show in the name of cancer awareness has given her a boost.

She told the Daily Star newspaper: "When I was a teenager, I had an eating disorder and I was very self conscious.

"I thought my boobs were too small. I have body dysmorphia. But 'The Real Full Monty' has made me feel confident for the first time.

"I got on stage and I talked about important topics. I didn't think I'd ever do that publicly."

The show carries an emotional meaning for the 27-year-old star after the death of her father Marcos, who lost his long battle with cancer in 2021 and had been a big fan of 'The Real Full Monty'.

She said: "My dad had cancer for six years and it wasn't something I talked about on 'Dancing On Ice'.

"I always felt like I couldn't put it out into the universe and speak publicly about it.

"And after he died, it wasn't something I dealt with. So agreeing to do 'The Real Full Monty' was a big challenge for me."

The explained how the programme has really made a difference when it comes to coping with her grief, while she now has a therapist and counsellor to talk to.

She added: "But to be honest, it has really helped me learn to deal with the grief over my dad and figuring out what it means for me as a person.

"Taking part in the show encouraged me to speak about it openly in front of a bunch of strangers. It was very, very difficult. But it's helped me and now I'm working through things."