Claire Reid
First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has given a rather… erm… unusual health update amid his ongoing treatment for bowel cancer.
The barman from the popular Channel 4 dating show announced he had bowel cancer back in September 2021, and has kept his fans updated about his condition on social media.
In his most recent post, Griffiths shared that he has undergone another surgery and that his ‘next step’ is farting. Fair enough.
In a post on Twitter, he explained: “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.”
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He added: “I have no rectum. Colon attached directly to rectal stump, but my surgeon seems to think it's workable. Won't ever be the same, but should theoretically settle into some kind of new routine."
Sharing why the farting was imperative, he told one fan: “I'm not allowed food until I fart. Seriously. Bummer, man.”
The TV personality has been flooded with messages of support from his 57,500 followers, with one fan writing: “One of our favourite TV personalities, Merlin! You’re looking well. Thanks for sharing your story. You’ve got so many other people talking. Hoping to see you back on our screens soon.”
Another said: “Speedy recovery Merlin! Love watching First dates and had no idea what you’d gone through. I had a stoma for 4 years and living happy & healthy now - hope you manage the same!”
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While a third posted: “Oh my goodness Merlin, I love watching you in First Dates and I am so sorry to read this. Wishing you a comfortable recovery and all the very best.”
Griffiths was diagnosed with a Stage 3 tumour in August 2021 after experiencing bloating and nausea.
Speaking to the Mirror at the time, he said: "I thought, as most people must when they get a diagnosis, 'Oh f**k, I've got cancer'.
"I also wanted to know, what are my chances of surviving? It's terrifying - of course I want to live.
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"I've shed a tear in private. But you can choose 'to do' or 'not to do'. I chose to lead my life as normal, to stick to the facts about it, and to keep putting one step in front of the other."
"My oncologist said, 'Your five-year outlook is 75 percent [chance of survival], but we aim to cure'.
"Obviously that's a lot lower than I'd want but I have so much faith in medicine and the NHS in this country, which is just so incredible."