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Their Full Monty-style strip tease will be the grand finale of a new television documentary called Credit Crunch Monty.

The film, to be screened over the summer, follows six Black Country men whose lives have been affected by the economic downturn.

Auditions were held in March and over 100 would-be male strippers got their kit off in front of a judging panel - but only six were chosen to be the stars of the show.

Hopefuls line up for audition, March '09

Since then, film crews have been following their everyday lives and the final scenes of the documentary will mirror those seen in the climax of the 1997 film hit The Full Monty.

The lads had only had 10 days to prepare for their big night, during which they experienced crash courses in dance routines and strip teases.

Andy Lees, 45, an unemployed shop fitter, is leading the group:

"We've (had) just ten days to pull this off. As well as learning how to dance and getting fit in time for the big night, we have to make sure we have a full house. The pressure is most definitely on."

Mark Minton

Another dancer Mark Minton, 36 from Wolverhampton, says that economic pressures compelled him to get involved.

"I'm in the car manufacturing industry and the uncertainty is there everyday," he says.

"I saw the ad for the auditions and though: 'Why not?'. I've always wanted to be on the telly. The credit crunch is affecting everybody - my mum is in the car trade and she's out of work at the moment. So hopefully we can highlight a lot of people's plights while being entertaining."

Andy and Mark are joined by Jack Sargeant, Lee Marlowe, Tony Levy and Nick Vassell. All of them have been victims of the credit crunch but are hopeful that their involvement in the show can help turn their lives around - and put a smile on other people's face.

Jack promoting the Full Monty

"Originally, all the proceeds from tickets sold for the gig were going to us," says Mark. "But we've insisted that a pound from every ticket sold goes to charity. We really wanted to give something back.

"It's light hearted and fun and a really good laugh! Obviously, us lot doing this isn't as big as the Wolves going up but it's going to be a great time!"

The Credit Crunch Monty takes place on Sunday 26th March 2009 at The Wulfrun Hall in Wolverhampton.

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