First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has been flooded with well wishes as he shared a health update from his hospital bed. He first shared the news of his bowel cancer diagnosis in September 2021 and has since kept his followers updated as he's undergone different surgeries and treatments.
In his fresh post, Merlin, who is known to viewers of the hit dating show for serving up drinks and chatting to prospective couples at the restaurant bar, could be seen laid up in a hospital bed while dressed in a hospital gown as he gave a positive update on his cancer battle.
First, he shared on Instagram: "Ouch. Time for a nap. Surgery done, tomorrow is a new day. Things start happening once I fart properly! I hope it's soon because I'm very hungry.... Feels weird looking down and not seeing a #Stoma. My hand keeps feeling for my bag to see how full it is, and coming up empty!!"
He went on to say: "My thanks to our amazing @nhsengland for their care. X" Merlin also confessed his companion teddy, who was with him before his surgery and also had a stoma bag, had gone to a new home, saying: "Lastly, the @buttonybear is winging its way via the surgical team to a child with a stoma."
Alongside the same image on Twitter, Merlin typed: "Gosh, it's very odd knowing all my insides are actually inside me again after 9 months of a #stoma. Next step, farting. Then food. #NHS #Cancer #Surgery."
Chef Marcus Bean was among the first to respond to Merlin's update, writing: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, keep pushing mate, your doing amazing! Cant wait to see you on our screens behind the bar doing an amazing job as always." Radio star Adele Roberts, who ended 2022 cancer free after her own bowel cancer diagnosis, replied: "Fabulous to hear you’re on the mend Merlin!"
Gogglebox star Stephen Webb added: "Speedy recovery mate." And fans were also showing their support. @kizzypeacock said: "Absolute legend Merlin. I am so pleased to see this post and hope you can have some food soon. Wishing you all the best for your recovery."
@dinapatel77 wrote: "Best wishes to you and wishing you a full recovery." @elaineshadwell replied: "Speedy recovery. Onwards and upwards." @bernie__2807_ shared: "Wishing you a very speedy recovery. Get well soon." @andybolton added: "We all love you Merlin, hope you recover quickly."
In September 2021 the Channel 4 star announced he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The friendly face of the Manchester-based dating show who helps the aspiring couples to break the ice as they arrive at The Refinery restaurant at Spinningfields then shared in April last year that his tumour had been removed.
Merlin was diagnosed in June 2021 after he started getting pain. In an interview with the Mirror the dad spoke of the moment he explained the diagnosis to his then-seven-year-old daughter, Alix. He recalled: “I said 'dad’s got cancer'. She said 'Is that bad, dad?' I said, ‘Yes, it’s very serious but I think it should be OK. Modern medicine’s great and if anything changes I’ll let you know.'"
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