In an exclusive conversation with TooFab ahead of the premiere of his new Fox special, Anderson described Van Der Beek’s disclosure as a “bombshell.” This unexpected moment not only surprised the cast but also emphasized the weight of their shared experiences, bringing them closer together during a time that could have been filled with uncertainty and fear.

“James dropped [the diagnosis] on us while we were rehearsing and having dinner on camera. He was very forthcoming and honest,” Anderson shared with TooFab. He went on to reflect on how differently their experience would have been had they filmed earlier, without the context of Van Der Beek’s struggle, showing how vulnerability can foster deeper connections.

“Had we talked to him six weeks prior, he would not have been able to do the show because of the state that he was in,” Anderson disclosed. This poignant statement underscores the severity of Van Der Beek’s condition and how critical timing can be in managing health issues, especially when pursuing public engagements.

The host emphasized that Van Der Beek’s decision to share his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis with the cast “brought us even closer together and strengthened our brotherhood.” This moment of openness not only deepened their bonds but also highlighted the importance of support systems among friends and colleagues facing health challenges.

Anderson further praised Van Der Beek for his courageous act. “It was a brave act,” he stated, recognizing the strength it takes to share personal struggles publicly. This willingness to be vulnerable can inspire others facing similar battles, reminding them they are not alone in their journeys.

“Sometimes we have to do this,” he emphasized. “We have to get out of our own way and we have to share our stories with the world.” This reflects a powerful message about the importance of sharing personal experiences to foster understanding and connection among individuals facing health issues.

Taye Diggs, another cast member, noted that while each celebrity involved in the show has their own personal experiences with cancer, Van Der Beek’s openness about his diagnosis served as a poignant reminder of the purpose behind their participation.

“It made it even more immediate and significantly important to be out there and kind of spread this message,” he articulated. This highlights the critical role of awareness and advocacy in addressing health issues, particularly cancer, and the responsibility they felt in disseminating this essential information to the public.

“So it was a welcome kind of wake-up call,” he said. “In many instances when things happen in the past, it’s easy to leave them behind.” He continued, “But when James came on board and told us what he was really going through, it was a very welcome reminder.” This illustrates how shared experiences can serve as powerful motivators to act and raise awareness about vital health matters.

The heart of the two-hour strip/dance special centers around raising awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and diagnosis. Anderson, Van Der Beek, and Diggs performed alongside stars such as Chris Jones, Tyler Posey, and Bruno Tonioli, all contributing their talents to a worthy cause.

“I was approached by Fox to do this show,” Anderson recalled of the initial stages of production. “I was familiar with The Real Full Monty, the film, and the version they had been doing in Europe for several years. So they asked if I wanted to come on board and be the first host here stateside. I was like, ‘Sure, I would love to.’”

“I lost my biological father and three of his siblings to cancer all within a year and a half of each other, and a very dear friend of mine from college lost her battle with cancer right as we were filming The Full Monty,” he continued. “So it was important for me to do the show to raise awareness for men, in particular, to go to the doctor to get checked for testicular, colorectal, and prostate cancer.”

As for how he managed to enlist a host of Hollywood’s biggest names to participate in the show, Anderson admitted he wasn’t completely forthcoming.

“I didn’t really tell them exactly what we would be doing,” he confessed to TooFab. “Taye Diggs would probably come over here and say, ‘Yeah, he asked me to do the show, but he didn’t tell me I was going to get butt naked.’” This humorous insight reveals the camaraderie and light-heartedness that often accompanies serious undertakings, further bonding the cast during their experience.

When TooFab spoke to Diggs, he acknowledged feeling some “trepidation” as rehearsals began, admitting that the choreography was “not as simple as I thought it would be.” This candid admission reflects the challenges they faced, adding to the authenticity of their performance.

“I’m so happy that it’s all done, shot, and in the can. I will say there were nerves in the midst of doing it,” he shared. “But once we were reminded why we were there and had that crew behind me, it made it all easy. It was unexpected.” This highlights the emotional journey of the cast and their growth throughout the process.

Inspired by the 1997 film The Full Monty and based on the unscripted format of The Real Full Monty first broadcast in the U.K. on ITV in 2017, the special showcases the cast as they train and rehearse for a big strip-tease dance choreographed by Mandy Moore (So You Think You Can Dance) in front of a live audience, blending entertainment with a serious purpose.

The all-new two-hour special, The Real Full Monty, premieres on Monday, December 9 at 8 PM ET/PT on FOX and will be available for streaming the following day on HULU. This exciting event combines heartfelt stories with entertainment, ensuring an impactful viewing experience.