First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths has been one of the shining stars of the series from day one. Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer and has been keeping fans up to date ever since, but recently gave a “painful” update
Merlin was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer
Image: Twitter/ @@MerlinFDC4)
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First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths has been a fan-favourite member of the Channel 4 series from the first episode.
The 47-year-old has been in and out of hospital over the last year, with maitre d’ Fred Sirieix sharing his love and support for his co-star last month.
“I really love him,” Fred told the Daily Mail, adding: “He’s incredibly positive and pragmatic as well. I’m just not surprised because that’s the type of guy he is.
“You can always rely on Merlin.”
He said that he keeps in contact with him over the phone and through text, “making sure he’s OK”.
Merlin himself has been sharing updates with fans, though not all of them have been so positive.
What has Merlin Griffiths been diagnosed with?
Merlin last underwent surgery in June
Image:
( merlinfdc4/Instagram)
Last September, Merlin was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer and has been undergoing operations since.
He underwent surgery back in April, with the star thanking the NHS after for saving his life.
On Instagram, he wrote: “Thank you #NHS for literally saving my life.”
The surgery may have been a success, but the star’s health battle was far from over.
Due to complications, he's had to return to hospital in recent months, but has been keeping his followers informed every step of the way.
What's happening with Merlin Griffiths?
Merlin Griffiths has kept fans up to date on his health on social media
Image:
( Instagram/ @merlinfdc4)
In June 2022, Merlin was taken back to hospital to help deal with the complications from the bowel cancer.
Taking to Instagram, the barman called his journey "long, and often painful and ugly".
Merlin explained: "Last time for a while I hope. Minor day surgery for some complications with my anastomosis following a Low Anterior Resection in April.
"The #CancerTreatment journey is long, and often painful and ugly. I couldn't do it without my family either. #BowelCancerAwareness #getchecked."
Since then, he has just been sharing snaps of himself enjoying the summer sun, with fans still sending their love for the nation’s favourite barman.
*First Dates airs tonight at 10pm on Channel 4
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