First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has been seen for the first time after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour after his stage-three bowel cancer diagnosis.
The Channel 4 star, 47, appeared in high spirits at the launch of Royal Ascot's first ever reduced and alcohol-free bar on Tuesday.
Merlin attended the swanky event as part of Harrogate Spring Water's Mindful Drinking Mission.
The First Dates favourite oozed swagger as he looked the part in a classic navy suit and on-trend pink shirt underneath.
Merlin put his mixologist skills to the test at the swanky event before being joined by Love Island's Dr. Alex George, 31.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27229158.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_SWNS_MINDFUL_DRINKING_06.jpg)
Following his recent surgery, Merlin appeared to be in good spirits Merlin as he beamed alongside former islander Alex as the pair posed for promotional photographs.
The First Dates star is back on his feet and attending events already after he was discharged from hospital only six days ago.
Late last year, Merlin revealed his stage-three bowel cancer diagnosis - and he has kept fans updated ever since.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27229170.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_SWNS_MINDFUL_DRINKING_03.jpg)
The much-loved TV star recently thanked the NHS for 'literally saving his life' after undergoing the 'robotic' surgery.
Amid his bowel cancer battle, Merlin shared a selfie from his hospital bed as he admitted he was suffering 'aches and pains'.
"Thank you #NHS for literally saving my life. #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth," he penned at the time.
"It's 2am. Tubes outta everywhere. Aches and pains. But no tumour! #bowelcancerawarenessmonth."
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27229188.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_SWNS_MINDFUL_DRINKING_05.jpg)
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27229195.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_First-Dates-barman-Merlin-Griffiths-shares-startling-photo-from-hospital-bed-as-he-thanks-NHS-for-sa.jpg)
Last year, Merlin was told by doctors that he has a 75 per cent chance of living for more than five years after discovering his diagnosis.
The star received his diagnosis from Northampton General Hospital, saying at the time that he was trying to keep a 'positive outlook'.
Speaking to the Sunday Mirror, Merlin said: "I'm keeping that positive outlook, but I've a morbid sense of humour.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27229205.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_First-Dates-barman-Merlin-Griffiths-shares-startling-photo-from-hospital-bed-as-he-thanks-NHS-for-sa.jpg)
"I tell people, 'I have colorectal cancer… it's a real pain in the ar*e."
Merlin is a proud dad to seven-year-old daughter Alix who he shares with his partner Lucille, 40.
The lovebirds have been together for over a decade.