07 April 2023 , 23:51
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First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has given another update on his cancer battle and has revealed he is now clear of the disease.
The 48-year-old reality star has been battling bowel cancer for more than 18 months - but now, thanks to treatment, he is clear of the disease.
Merlin - who has appeared on hit Channel 4 dating show First Dates for the past 10 years - has been keeping fans and social media followers updated on his condition since he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage three cancer in September 2021.
And now fans are relieved to learn that he is beating the cancer after undergoing some intensive treatments and surgeries.
First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has given a health update (@merlinfdc4)Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Merlin shared a series of images - with two snaps showing him wearing a hospital gown.
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One slide showed a procedure update report which contained fantastic news: “No cancer seen.”
He wrote alongside the images: “Scroll across... 1 year colonoscopy check up for #bowelcancer.”
Proving he is not shying away from the details of his treatment and health battle, he wrote: “Prep was soo difficult this time. Soiled the bed several times overnight, resorted to adult nappies, got about 2 hours kip. Felt like hell.
His update included the great news that doctors have found he is now 'clear' of cancer (@merlinfdc4)“First one with my newly connected a**e too (sans rectum), so I was a little nervous.”
He then triumphantly wrote: “But along with my last blood tests (clear), at one year examination, we're clear! Phew.”
He continued: “Next one at 3 years (2025). Last one at 5 years (2027). #bowelcancerawarenessmonth.”
And he added: “Love to all you fellow bowel cancer peeps, keep on keeping on!”
His update was met with a flood of support and encouragement from his social media followers - with First Date’s maître d', Fred Sirieix, among the first to respond, sharing a red heart emoji.
One fan appreciated how open Merlin has been in relation to his battle, writing in the comments section of his post: “great news - your honesty and frankness is a credit to you.”
Merlin has appeared on First Dates as the in-house barman since it began airing in 2013 (© Nick Harvey 2019)While someone who has experienced a similar health battle wrote: “I had my 1 year colonoscopy and bloods a couple of weeks ago, I was all clear too. So relieved, glad you got good news too.”
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Merlin has appeared on First Dates since the series first began airing back in 2013 and is a fan favourite as the restaurant’s chatty barman.
He last appeared on the show on the 2022 Christmas special which aired last December.