'Oaks star explains naked shoot decision

Hollyoaks actor Ashley Taylor Dawson has revealed that his decision to strip off for a forthcoming issue of Cosmopolitan had a personal motive.

The 28-year-old, who plays Darren Osborne on the Channel 4 show, is among a number of stars who have posed for the magazine's annual naked centrefolds edition.

The publication's special issue is designed to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer and is created each year in conjunction with Everyman, the UK's leading male cancer campaign.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Dawson admitted: "My mum's recovering from cancer. When I first found out I didn't know how to react - you want to think everything's okay but you don't want to be in denial. It messes with your head.

"She's been through chemo and radiotherapy now - I'm so proud of how she's pulled through. Big love to my mum."

Cosmopolitan's special, which also features Dawson's soap co-star Gerard McCarthy, goes on sale at the weekend.