Strictly Come Dancing star joins Loose Women for all-male special
Strictly Come Dancing star Johannes Radebe and I'm a Celebrity finalist Vernon Kay have been confirmed to be joining Loose Women's next all-male panel special, Loose Men.
Professional dancer Johannes and presenter Vernon will be joined on the show by former World Cup-winning rugby player Mike Tindall MBE and radio presenter Roman Kemp, with the all-male episode marking the fourth time that the talk show has temporarily rebranded as Loose Men.
The episode will air on Thursday, 12 May to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from May 9 – 15.
Airing in support of Loose Women's Stand By Your Men campaign, the episode will see the panellists speaking about the issues that matter most to men today and highlighting how important it is for men to speak about their mental health.
ITV has confirmed that the episode will include discussion on topics such as money worries, male body image and loneliness, following the running of the Loose Men Male Mental Health survey.
Vernon, who will host the episode, said that he is "really excited" to be taking part in the special, adding: "Men's mental health is so important to me.
"I learnt things from the panel members last time that I'd never known before. The reaction we all had last time was also fantastic and highlighted how there's a real need for more discussion around these topics which we look forward to bringing viewers."
I'm a Celebrity star Roman said that he is "proud to be amongst this brilliant line up of men", explaining: "To help shine a light on the struggles men face with mental health, open up the conversation and encourage men to talk is really important to me. A simple question to a mate can go a long way."
Athlete Mike revealed: "I received lots of messages from people who watched the show the last time the men headed up the panel, saying that us talking so openly about our experiences helped them.
"I'm really glad if we can do even a little bit in raising awareness and normalising the subject of men's mental health each time we do this."
Panel newcomer Johannes, who is a professional dancer on Strictly, called Loose Men "a brilliant concept", saying: "I'm thrilled we have a platform to sit as men and talk about issues affecting our wellbeing and livelihoods.
"I haven't worked with these gentlemen before, but I'm aware of their brilliant work and I'm delighted to finally meet them. We will continue to bring awareness to mental health as it still plagues our society."
Loose Women Editor Sally Shelford promises that viewers can expect to see the panel "opening up on subjects close to their hearts – from mental health to family, fatherhood, love and relationships".
"Expect some very honest discussions, fiery debates – and of course lots of laughs along the way, too," she continued.
Watch Loose Men on Thursday, May 12 at 12.30pm on ITV and ITV Hub. Loose Women airs on weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.
For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week, visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week. Organisations who can offer support with mental health include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov.
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