David Schwimmer has revealed the tragic reason he signed up to appear on The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer.
The 56-year-old actor explained he wanted to take part in the charity special because his grandma died of the disease, as did his ex-wife Zoe Buckman’s mother.
In footage obtained by The Mirror ahead of Sunday’s episode, he also told viewers his sister Ellie had also been battling cancer.
The ‘Friends’ star said: “I lost a grandmother to cancer, my daughter lost a grandmother to cancer and my sister survived cancer so it’s important to me.
“I’m just grateful that I can help in any way to raise awareness.
Heartbreaking: David Schwimmer has revealed the tragic reason he signed up to appear on The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer
“I’m here to have fun. I’m here to raise money for a big charity. It’s a great thing and I happen to be a huge fan of the show.
The Primetime Emmy Award nominee was married to his ex-wife Zoë Buckman between 2010 and 2017. They share a daughter Cleo, 11.
Back in 2020, David paid tribute to Ellie on National Siblings Day.
He honored his older sister with a touching post that featured a sweet caption and throwback snaps.
In one picture, the duo were in their very young years, while another showed a more recent snap of David hugging Ellie, 57, at a graduation ceremony.
His passionate caption read, “Yesterday was National Siblings Day and I just wanted to take a moment to celebrate and thank my big sister…
“She was there for me through thick and thin, through so much laughter and, yes, tears (like when she ‘accidentally’ slammed the bathroom door into my hand)…
“I couldn’t be more grateful to have such an amazing person in my life. i love you ellie And don’t forget… I’ll always be younger. Ha.’
The Great British Bake Off recently released a first look picture ahead of their 2023 celebrity special benefiting Stand Up To Cancer.
Siblings: The 56-year-old actor explained he wanted to take part in the charity special because his sister Ellie was battling cancer
Family: The Primetime Emmy Award nominee was married to his ex-wife Zoë Buckman between 2010 and 2017. They share a daughter Cleo, 11
And the stars of the day were former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson and Friends legend David, best known for playing Ross Geller.
With their beaming smiles, they posed alongside comedian Rose Matafeo and Murder In Successville actor Tom Davis.
The four sat next to each other in the tent, holding up a “Stand Up To Cancer” sign.
The new season will air on Sunday evenings as opposed to the previous Tuesday slot, with the season opener airing on Sunday 19 March at 19:45 on Channel 4.
A total of 20 famous faces will make their way into the famous tent, with other names competing for the star baker including Loose Women’s Judi Love and Coleen Nolan, comedian Paddy McGuinness and Olympian Tom Daley.
While Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden, presenter AJ Odudu, The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades, radio host Adele Roberts and Strictly’s Ellie Taylor also compete for the coveted Hollywood handshake.
Also joining the Channel 4 show are comedians Mike Wozniak and Lucy Beaumont, radio presenter Tim Key and filmmaker David Morrissey.
Rounding out the star-studded lineup are Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas and Shaun of the Dead actress Jessica Hynes.
Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith will return as judges, alongside presenters Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas – with the latter making a final appearance.
The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer returns to Channel 4 on Sunday March 19 at 7:45pm. To donate, visit standuptocancer.org.uk.
Coming Soon: The Great British Bake Off recently shared a first look at their 2023 celebrity special benefiting Stand Up To Cancer (LR) Rose Matafeo, David, Jesy Nelson and Tom Davis