First Dates star Merlin Griffiths shares cancer update after 'lifesaving' surgery

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has shared an update with fans following bowel cancer surgery. The barman thanked the NHS for "saving [his] life" after having a tumour removed via robotic surgery.

Posting a photo of himself in his hospital bed to his Twitter account, as well as an image of the type of machine that operated on him, Merlin wrote: "Thank you #NHS for literally saving my life. #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth."

Meanwhile, over on his Instagram account, he shared a similar post, writing: "2am. Tubes outta everywhere. Aches and pains. But no tumour!"

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The Channel 4 star, 46, announced he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer last year. After a series of X-rays, CT scans and a sigmoidoscopy, doctors identified a 4.5cm stage three tumour in Merlin's lower intestine.

Since then, he has given fans regular updates, charting his "horrific" experiences of chemotherapy. Fans were delighted to hear the latest update, with many rushing to the comments to wish the First Dates star well in his recovery.

Instagram user @sabrinaghanyour commented: "Best news ever. Wishing you a good and gentle recovery x" Leanne (@itsjustleanne) wrote: "You are incredible! Sending love and wellness your way. You take care."

Joanne (@joanne277) added: "Sending lots of love to you Merlin …wishing you a speedy recovery." And Scotty (@scottyw1973) said: "Great news. Onwards and upwards Merlin. You'll be back shaking that cocktail shaker in no time."

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