Merlin Griffiths, a fan of First Dates, has posted an update from the hospital as he prepares for his final round of cancer treatment.
The 47-year-old First Dates series regular was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 and has been undergoing treatment ever since.
A 4.5cm tumour in his colon was discovered about two years ago, and he was soon diagnosed with stage three cancer.
He had surgery in April of last year before venting about a setback in September, and has been healing since then.
Following his previous announcement that he was returning to work in television, he has now informed his followers that his next phase of cancer treatment will be his final.
Merlin captioned a photo of himself in a medical gown with his pal Buttony the Bear, ‘Checked in (with the bear, of course) and ready to go.’
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‘Here’s to the final phase of treatment and recovery,’ he revealed while getting ready for his final phase of treatment.
Fans expressed their well wishes to Merlin, with many sharing their own experiences with bowel cancer to assist him get through it.
‘Good luck Merlin. I was diagnosed aged 31 stage three back in 2006. Had the reversal done, celebrating 17 years cancer free in June,’ one supporter said.
‘Hoping everything goes well for you and that your recovery period is quick,’ said another.
As part of his treatment last year, the First Dates bartender was fitted with a colostomy bag, and Buttony will now be donated to a child with a stoma.
In a post made earlier this week, he said: ‘This handsome fella, Buttony Bear, will be coming with me on Monday when I check into hospital.’
He continued: ‘He’ll be gifted to a child with a stoma. My stoma journey looks like it’s coming to an end [but] … some children grow up with a colostomy. Buttony aims to support them!’
Merlin was recently well enough to tape a special New Year’s Eve edition of Saturday Kitchen, and he hopes to return to television full-time very soon.
