First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has opened up on the life-changing consequences he’s living with after his bowel cancer diagnosis.
The Channel 4 favourite appears on the programme alongside the likes of Fred Sirieix and Cici Coleman, as it returns to our screens for a new series.
He’s been open about his health battles since being diagnosed with the disease in September 2021, and underwent surgery to get his tumour removed in April last year.
Despite having ‘come out the other side’, Merlin has now spoken about the consequences he’s ‘always’ living with.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the 48-year-old said he was ‘living with the fallout’ but ‘all good’.
He said: ‘As anyone who has been through with cancer and come out of the other side knows, there are always consequences to something like this that are life-changing.’
Sorry, this video isn't available any more.
Merlin has now been diagnosed with another condition, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, which is a change in bowel habits that can occur after surgery for rectal cancer.
He explained: ‘I have a condition called Low Anterior Resection Syndrome now to deal with, but that’s all right.
‘We live with it, we move forward. The main thing is, one is alive and able to smile and able to work at the bar in the restaurant.’
He added he now has a new appreciation of life, saying: ‘It does and it doesn’t, it’s an experience one parks and you draw upon it when you need it.’
When Merlin first announced his diagnosis, he explained that he was maintaining a ‘positive outlook’, but admitted that he has a ‘morbid sense of humour’.
More Trending
He recalled the moment he told his daughter Alix, who was seven at the time and who he shares with his wife Lucille, that he had cancer, telling her that while it’s ‘very serious’, he thinks ‘it should be okay’.
‘She understands that people can die but I told her cancer comes in different varieties and in different ways too – and that many people come through it,’ he said.
Deals of the Day
Save £300 on the 'Ferrari of lawn mowers' that gardeners are calling 'unbelievable'
From swimsuits to tankinis, here’s what we’re shopping from Damson Madder’s swimwear edit
Festival season is looming! The ultimate packing checklist to brave Glastonbury and more
Tesco becomes first UK supermarket to make major aisle change in 93 stores
Stop what you’re doing – Dolly Parton has collaborated with Good American
First Dates airs on Tuesdays at 10pm on Channel 4.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: This Morning star confirms they’ve been approached for Celebrity Big Brother
MORE: ‘Love genie’ Fred Sirieix tried to set me up with the First Dates restaurant chef
