Love Island’s Shaughna Phillips opens up about father’s tragic death from cancer
Shaughna Phillips has said that she has signed up for The Full Monty On Ice in a bid to raise awareness of cancer after losing her dad to the disease
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Shaughna Phillips has opened up about her father’s death from cancer and how his diagnosis “completely changed” her life.
The 25-year-old former Love Island star has spoken out as she revealed that she will be taking part in ITV’s The Real Full Monty On Ice.
The reality star lost her father to cancer in December 2016 and she now wants to help others who find themselves in the position that she was in.
Shaughna said she felt isolated from her friends during her father’s illness and this is something that she wants to highlight.
She said: “I lost my dad in December 2016. He had cancer for 18 months and it completely changed my life and my perspective of what I thought was important.
“When my dad was ill, I felt like no-one had any idea what I was going through, even my close friends.”
She continued: “So, if anyone watching this is going through what I’ve been through losing him and can then feel like they’re not alone, I’d be so happy to be able to do that.”
Former Woman’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni Murray, actress and model Linda Lusardi, soap star Jamie Lomas and fellow Love Islander Chris Hughes are also taking part in the show.
The programme will see the participants strip off and perform an ice skating routine in an effort to increase awareness about cancer.
Explaining her reasons for joining the show, Shaughna said: “I’ve been watching the series since it’s been on telly and it’s one of those programmes that you know is going to get you but you can’t not watch it.
“It’s got everything – it’s funny but also terribly important. Now more so than ever.
“What I wanted to do when I came out of Love Island was to use that platform and that opportunity to try and make a difference.
Shaughna added: “Cancer has affected me personally so this was the perfect show for me to raise awareness.
“All we speak about at the moment is ( coronavirus ) but cancer hasn’t stopped – even though lots of screenings have, which is so sad.”
She pointed at the coronavirus pandemic for a reason why more people have died from the disease as the focus has been on treating people suffering with Covid-19.
Shaughna continued: “The amount of people that could lose their lives now because (coronavirus) has stopped them going to the doctor or getting an early cancer diagnosis is horrendous.
“Anything that I can do to try and change that I would do every single day if I could.”
Professional skaters from Dancing On Ice will also join the celebrities to perform in the programme, which is being presented by Ashley Banjo and Coleen Nolan.
*The Real Full Monty On Ice will air on Monday December 14 and Tuesday December 15 at 9pm.
MirrorCeleb