Chiles' pants, in the colours of the 'Baggies' are proving more
popular to M&S shoppers than those of ex-England footballers
Jamie Redknapp and Les Ferdinand MBE, fellow television presenter
Ben Shephard and sportsmen Jimmy White and Jason Leonard OBE.
Not to be outdone, Chiles' partners in the exclusive range, on
sale in M&S stores nationwide, are responding in competitive
spirit - and urging people to buy their designs, which have been
created to raise funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity.
Shephard, who is currently in second place said: "Anyone who
loves sexy pants and who longs to see their man in a flattering,
stylish pair should head to M&S. I can guarantee that my
personally designed pants that will make your fella look like a
superhero, although pants should always been worn on the inside
unless you're saving the world! Adrian Chiles and his 'Baggies'
pants are currently outselling mine. We need to shift them from the
top. Out with Chiles' 'Baggies' in with Shephard's Sexy Stripes.
Come on people do it for the stripes."
Shephard designed the pants to show his support for the
awareness month as his father, David, was diagnosed with prostate
cancer a couple of years ago.
Les Ferdinand MBE, called on his own football fans to show their
allegiance and help him back up the league: "I can't believe Adrian
has sold more pants than anyone else - that must be a joke. I
reckon he is buying them all himself and giving them out at 'West
Brom' games. I need all the Spurs, QPR and Newcastle fans to rally
behind me to overtake him!"
ITV1 Daybreak presenter Adrian Chiles was somewhat pleased to
hear the news, in particular as he designed them with a friend,
diagnosed with prostate cancer, in mind.
"I'm absolutely thrilled my baggies are top of the table.
If only the Premier League looked as healthy for West Brom as the
pants table does."
This is the first time that M&S, a committed supporter of
the Charity, raising almost £1million in five years, has created a
full range of celebrity-designed products. The six stars enjoyed
leaving the day job behind and turning their hands to creating the
underpants*, which will be on sale, online and in-store throughout
March.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month aims to bring this disease -
which kills one man every hour in the UK - further out into the
open. The Prostate Cancer Charity is urging people to declare 'I'm
aware' throughout the month, and take pride in increasing their
knowledge of the disease.
John Neate, Chief Executive at The Prostate Cancer Charity,
said: "Our partnership with M&S is invaluable. It extends our
presence into communities, giving us a platform to reach people on
the High Street we could not hope to achieve without them. As well
as raising funds, we know from the many calls to our Helpline
signposted by literature in M&S, how important it is to
enabling us to reach men and their families.
"I would like to thank M&S for their continued support - as
well as the celebrities who have taken the time to design this
exciting new range. I, for one, am excited to see this debut
collection in stores. I hope men, and the women who often buy their
underwear, head to M&S to help us make this innovative
initiative a great success."
The support for the Charity extends to staff, who have been
quick to embrace the partnership. Many will take on fundraising
endeavours of their own during March.
Pin badges, trolley tokens and bottle openers will also be
available in store throughout the month, for a suggested
donation.
*The pants cost £15 for a pack of two designs, with all proceeds
coming to The Prostate Cancer Charity.
For further information about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,
visit
www.prostateaware.org.uk