DRINKING buddies have picked up the gauntlet and stripped off for a charity calendar.
Former soap star Adam Rickitt called their bluff when they started ribbing him about his modelling.
“It started as a joke between a few regulars teasing me about my naked photos during the 90s,” said former Coronation Street and Hollyoaks actor Adam, 45, who runs Dexter and Jones gin bar in Knutsford, with wife Katy, a TV news presenter on Good Morning Britain.
“I was serving behind the bar and the guys were taking the mickey out of me.
“They’d had a few beers and thought they could do better, so I told them to prove it!”
The lads, aged 22 to 70, proved they have got the balls to bare all for a good cause.
The daredevil dozen are raising money and awareness for men’s cancer.
A launch party is being held at Dexter and Jones from 6pm this evening, Friday, November 10, to sell the first batch of calendars.
Katy said: “I started taking numbers and texted them asking if they were genuinely up for it, honestly thinking nothing would come of it.
“I was really moved by how many were willing to show their mettle!
“We managed to pull this off together in less than a month.
“In addition to the amazing funds we hope it’ll raise, the way it’s brought everyone together has been truly heart-warming.”
The lads include gardeners, builders, a hairdresser, retired firefighter, university lecturer, scientists and barmen.
In the shots, guys chose props to reflect their personalities and hide their modesty.
Photographer Steve Felmingham, of Altabani Studios, took the pictures.
The calendars were printed by Chris Stuart, of Design Print Create.
Both Knutsford businessmen gave their time free so every penny could go to charity.
The pair even stripped naked for the back cover.
Steve said: “The vast majority of the people who stood in front of my camera had never done anything like this before, but they put their reservations aside and came forward to help everyone who has been affected by the issues of men’s health.
“We’ve had all ages, shapes and sizes but the common factor is the lengths to which people will go to help out their fellow man.”
Chris said: “Working on this project has been a blast.
“We've had so much fun and laughs and to be doing this all in the name of an amazing charity has made it even sweeter.
“Total fun, total respect to The Rickitts, and roll on the 2025 calendar!”
Adam features on the cover, standing naked behind a beer keg.
Rippling muscles and toned body belie his own personal health challenge.
Adam suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a rare disease which risks his spine fusing together.
“I have to exercise for two hours every day because of my back,” said Adam.
“If I stop it will fuse up. It’s like custard. If you put it down, a skin forms but it you stir it, the skin disappears.
“As long as I keep my vertebrae moving, I’m breaking up the sediment of bone trying to build itself in between.”
Adam is keen to encourage more men to check their own health.
“Sadly, one in two men die of cancer,” he said.
“Men who have problems with urination or find lumps on their testicles often don’t get checked because they think it will pass or they haven’t got time.
“There is nothing to be embarrassed about.
“Get checked straightaway.”
Louise Dawson from The Christie Charity said:“We’re very thankful to everyone involved with putting together this calendar and fundraising for The Christie Charity.
“Anyone purchasing this calendar will be helping The Christie with vital research into prostate and testicular cancer, as well as life-changing and potentially life-saving treatment that will benefit cancer patients both now and in the future.”
Calendars will be available after the launch at dexterandjones.co.uk
Adam added: “Every single one of these lads knows someone suffering from cancer or has lost someone to cancer.
“This is a very serious subject but we’ve done it in a light-hearted way.
“We wanted the guys to be proud of it and the end result to be slick and professional.
“I’ve been very lucky in my career. I’ve travelled the world.
“Now, working and living in Knutsford, is the best part of my life so far.
“Katie and I love this bar and the customers who come in.”
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