Rhod Gilbert supported by fellow comedians after sharing cancer health update

The comedy world has thrown its support behind Rhod Gilbert after he opened up about his cancer diagnosis.

The Welsh comic revealed earlier this year that he had been undergoing treatment for stage four cancer.

Gilbert offered an update on his condition this weekend and said he had to cancel shows because of his ill health.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, the 54-year-old said: "I had a terribly sore throat, tightness through my neck. I was having to cancel shows because I couldn’t breathe.

"I was having all sorts of problems and we couldn’t get to the bottom of it."

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Gilbert recalled how he'd spotted 'lumps popping up in places they shouldn’t be' and was later diagnosed with stage four cancer.

However, he said he was 'feeling good' and was 'recovering day-by-day'.

Since the interview, a number of comedians have come out and offered their support to Gilbert and urged people to buy his stand-up DVD Rhod Gilbert: Book of John.

Writing on Twitter, Jimmy Carr said: "I’ve got a new DVD – not one I’m in, one I’ve bought – it’s by my mate Rhod Gilbert and it’s bloody funny. (if you’ve got technology from 10 years ago knocking around the house get the DVD - if not download it like a normal person)."

While Jason Manford wrote: "Grab #RhodGilbert’s new stand up show now! Ready for download, you could be watching it and laughing in five minutes."

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"My friend, the phenomenally funny Rhod Gilbert hasn’t been well and is unable to promote his DVD so I’m helping spread the word," said Michael McIntyre. "The Book of John is hilarious and out now, click here to order... "

And Angela Barnes added: "#RhodGilbert has long been one of my favourite comedians - and is definitely one of my favourite people. His latest show, The Book of John, is so bloody funny and is available now on DVD and digital download."

Gilbert's wife recently revealed they had moved closer to a hospital following his diagnosis.

Sian Harries announced the news on Twitter back in August.

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In a post on Facebook, Gilbert described himself as a 'proud patron of Vilendre Cancer Centre' and said it had played a 'huge part' in his life over the last 10 years, but admitted he 'never imagined that [he] would be a patient' there.

"I know better than anyone that I am in the best possible hands," he wrote at the time.

"The NHS care I’m receiving is incredible. I wouldn't wish this on anyone...but who knows, maybe I'll come out the other end with a new stand-up show and a 40 minute rant about orange squash."

Gilbert and his wife have already moved house twice this summer, but Harries said on Twitter they moved 'for the third time since July' so Gilbert can be closer to hospital as he continues his treatment.

"Life is a lot at the moment but we’re getting through it with the help of our wonderful friends and family," she added.