First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths shares update from hospital bed
He was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021
As fans will know, First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer back in 2021, and has had a number of procedures since then. Now, in the TV star's latest update he has revealed he had an operation to reverse an abdominal stoma.
Merlin has now shared a photo from his hospital bed, telling fans he wanted to thank the NHS for what should be his final operation, writing: 'Ouch. Time for a nap. Surgery done, tomorrow is a new day. Things start happening once I fart properly! I hope it's soon because I'm very hungry....
'Feels weird looking down and not seeing a #Stoma . My hand keeps feeling for my bag to see how full it is, and coming up empty!! My thanks to our amazing @nhsengland for their care. X
'And lastly, the @buttonybear is winging its way via the surgical team to a child with a stoma. 😁'.
For those who don't know, the Buttony Bear is a bear which supports children and young people who have a stoma. Merlin previously shared a photo of the bear saying: 'This handsome fella @buttonybear will be coming with me on Monday when I check into hospital. He'll be gifted to a child with a #stoma.
'My #stoma journey looks like it's coming to an end. However, some young children also grow up with an ileostomy or colostomy. Buttony Bear aims to support them. And the bear has a #stoma too!'.
Since sharing his update, fans and many others who have had bowel cancer, have sent their well wishes, saying: 'Take it easy, fellow pouchie! The first few days can be tricky but it gets better every day.'
Another said: 'Great to see you and the updates you are sharing I was diagnosed 2wks before Christmas with bowl cancer and go into hospital tomorrow for my op I don't feel so worried now you have posted this'.
Merlin is best-known as the chatty barman on the popular TV show First Dates, which he has starred in from its inception back in 2013, and also appeared in some of its spin-offs. He last appeared in First Dates at Christmas in 2022, which was shown on Channel 4 in December and is still available to watch on All4.
As well as his role in First Dates, he is a pub landlord and previously worked for Bombay Sapphire gin as a brand ambassador.
We wish Merlin a speedy recovery! ❤️
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Now read:
First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths updates fans after bowel cancer operation
First Dates barman Merlin Griffiths has been diagnosed with bowel cancer
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