He was diagnosed in 2021
First Dates‘ star Merlin Griffiths has informed his followers that he is sadly back in hospital and being monitored following further cancer complications.
The beloved bartender and TV star from Channel 4’s popular dating show announced he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer back in 2021 and underwent “life-saving” surgery in April this year.
In an Instagram post uploaded on Monday, the 46-year-old shared a snap of himself lying in a hospital wearing a colourful mask alongside a caption that simply read: “Oh… Squibwibble. #complications. #nhs. #BowelCancerAwareness.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CfT5eJls03d/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=989a947b-1428-477a-8a28-6ec5c4882c8b
With nearly 100,000 followers, the picture was quickly flooded with well-wishes and people sharing how sad they were to hear the news.
“Sending you so much love, hope it gets better soon xx” wrote one.
“Prayers for a speedy recovery and return to wellness for you dear Merlin” added another, alongside: “Stay strong dude” and “All the best, worry not the #nhs know what their doing and will sort you out” from another fan.
Serving as the bartender and the first friendly face most participants see and speak to after maître d’ Fred Sirieix, Griffiths has been a fan-favourite part of the First Dates cast since it began in 2013, usually offering bachelors and bachelorettes a stiff drink to help calm their nerves along with some small talk before they sit down for their meal. He also happens to run two pubs of his own.
While the “robotic surgery” earlier this year helped removed a tumour – with Griffiths’ thanking the NHS for their continued efforts and “excellent care” – unfortunately, he is not out of the woods yet and his fans will be awaiting his next update.
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