The First Dates star was diagnosed with bowel cancer back in September, after attending the hospital with cramps and nausea.

Fans of Channel 4's First Dates have flooded the show's bartender, Merlin Griffiths, with support, as he recovers from surgery. Merlin, who has been diagnosed with bowel cancer, underwent a "painful" operation to remove a tumour. Taking to Twitter, the First Dates star shared a picture of himself from his hospital bed and wrote: "Almost there. Another day and then off home." The First Dates star was initially diagnosed with cancer in September 2021, and has been sharing health updates with his followers since then. He discovered he was ill when he attended the hospital with bloating and nausea. Doctors subsequently discovered that he had a stage three tumour in his bowel. https://twitter.com/MerlinFDC4/status/1516394177671708672 Five days ago, the 46-year-old thanked the NHS to mark April, which is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Sharing another selfie from his hospital bed, he wrote: "Thank you NHS for literally saving my life." As Merlin keeps his fans updated on his health and recovery from surgery, many have sent him supportive messages, and words of gratitude for addressing his stoma, which is an opening which allows waste - like faeces and urine - to be diverted out of the body. "Thank you for sharing your story and recovery Merlin!" one fan wrote. "It's so important to break down these "poo" stigmas. best wishes!" To this, Merlin replied saying: "Thank you. No one should be ashamed of basic bodily functions." Another fan wrote: "Had my ileostomy 15 years now. Better to be alive with a bag than dead with a bum. Getting home will be the best medicine but expect to be a bit nervous. Never rush changing your bag, you will soon get the hang of it. Output can be scary looking, it's normal. Best wishes to you."