First Dates bartender Merlin Griffiths has revealed he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The Channel 4 star has vowed to stay positive during his health battle after first feeling ill in June.
Mild-mannered Merlin, 46, told the Sunday Mirror he went to hospital with symptoms including bloating and nausea.
But he admits he did not have a second thought he could have cancer. Instead, Merlin believed his pain was caused by scar tissue in his stomach from a car accident when he was 20.
First Dates favourite Merlin on how his co-stars reacted
Following the discovery of a 4.5cm Stage 3 tumour, Merlin decided to speak out about his condition ahead of appearing on Stand Up to Cancer Live in October.
He informed his First Dates co-stars a week after diagnosis, with the news relayed to partner Lucille first.
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Merlin told the tabloid that maître d’ Fred Sirieix was “lovely and encouraging” with his response.
He also indicated waiters Grant Urquhart and CiCi Coleman were both “shocked”, too.
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On breaking the news to his seven-year-old daughter
Merlin now faces a year of treatment, with doctors telling him there’s a 75% chance he will live beyond five years.
He admitted he was up front but sensitive with his young daughter Alix over his diagnosis.
Merlin recalled their conversation: “I said, ‘Dad’s got cancer’. She said, ‘Is that bad, Dad?’
Modern medicine’s great.
“I said, ‘Yes, it’s very serious but I think it should be OK. Modern medicine’s great and if anything changes I’ll let you know.’
“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.”
Merlin’s tumour ‘felt like a walnut’
Merlin also described how he endured X-rays, a CT scan and a visit to A&E before doctors were able to find out what is wrong.
An urgent sigmoidoscopy investigated his lower intestine and found the tumour, which had felt ‘like a walnut’ inside him.
However, while the tumour has breached Merlin’s colon, it has not yet spread.
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Merlin’s oncologist hopes to cure, but Merlin remains realistic at all times.
It is hoped the tumour will be removed in the next three months.
Get well soon, Merlin!
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