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First Dates star Merlin Griffiths shares update ahead of final phase of cancer treatment: ‘Checked in and ready to go’-Robert Oliver-Entertainment – Metro
The TV barman was first diagnosed in September 2021.
Merlin Griffiths of First Dates who was first diagnosed in September 2021 (Picture: Channel 4)
First Dates favourite Merlin Griffiths has shared an update from hospital as he prepares for his final round of cancer treatment.
The TV personality, 47, a series regular on First Dates, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and has been undergoing treatment ever since.
A tumour 4.5cm wide was found in his bowel almost two years ago, and he was diagnosed with stage three cancer soon afterwards.
He underwent surgery in April last year, before sharing his frustration at a setback he suffered in September, and has been recovering since then.
After sharing in recent weeks that he was back working in TV again, he’s now let his fans know that his next phase of cancer treatment will be his last.
Merlin shared a picture of himself in a hospital gown, holding his companion Buttony the Bear, saying: ‘Checked in (with the bear of course) and ready to go.’
‘Here’s to the final phase of treatment and recovery,’ he revealed while getting ready for his final phase of treatment.
Fans sent their good wishes Merlin’s way, with many of them recounting their own experiences with bowel cancer to help get him through.
‘Good luck Merlin. I was diagnosed aged 31 stage three back in 2006. Had the reversal done, celebrating 17 years cancer free in June,’ one supporter said.
Merlin had a stoma bag fitted as part of his treatment for cancer (Picture: MerlinFDC4/Twitter)
Another commented: ‘Hoping it all goes well for you and that your recovery time is speedy, take care.’
The First Dates barman was fitted with a colostomy bag as part of his treatment last year, and Buttony will now be donated to a child with a stoma.
In a post made earlier this week, he said: ‘This handsome fella, Buttony Bear, will be coming with me on Monday when I check into hospital.’
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He continued: ‘He’ll be gifted to a child with a stoma. My stoma journey looks like it’s coming to an end [but] … some children grow up with a colostomy. Buttony aims to support them!’
Merlin was recently well enough to film a New Years Eve special episode of Saturday Kitchen, and will be hoping to return to TV full-time very soon.
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