47-year-old Merlin Griffiths was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2021
(Picture: Merlin Griffiths/Instagram)First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has shared that he has had his stoma removed after nine months in his latest health update as he continues to battle bowel cancer.
The 47-year-old was diagnosed with stage three of the disease in 2021, and has since undergone radiotherapy treatment.
Griffiths posted a photo of himself in a patient’s gown on Twitter on Monday as he revealed the update to fans, after spending five nights in hospital.
He wrote: “Gosh, it’s very odd knowing all my insides are actually inside me again after 9 months of a #stoma.
Gosh, it's very odd knowing all my insides are actually inside me again after 9 months of a #stoma. Next step, farting. Then food. #NHS #Cancer #Surgery pic.twitter.com/oHh5BynMgd
— Merlin 💨 Griffiths (@MerlinFDC4) January 23, 2023
“Next step, farting. Then food. #NHS #Cancer #Surgery.”
Griffiths added: “My plumbing works then. Cor blimey. This will take some training and getting used to. Thank goodness for Kegels! Essential!!
“Pull up nappy deployed for safety. Need a biscuit. #Stoma #Reversal #Cancer.”
A stoma is an opening cut into the abdomen, made during a colostomy, which allows for waste to be diverted out of the body and into a colostomy bag.
Griffiths previously spoke of having a “positive outlook” to the Sunday Mirror, following his fight against cancer, and has regularly been letting followers in on his progress in recovery since last year.
The Channel 4 star rose to fame after appearing as the bartender on First Dates and fans of the show have continued to share their support and best wishes for the TV personality, following his diagnosis, along with his colleagues, including Fred Sirieix and Cici Coleman.
Griffiths, who has a seven-year-old daughter with his long-term partner Lucille, shared more details in his recent stoma removal on Instagram as he wrote: “Ouch. Time for a nap. Surgery done, tomorrow is a new day.
“Things start happening once I fart properly! I hope it’s soon because I’m very hungry....
“Feels weird looking down and not seeing a #Stoma. My hand keeps feeling for my bag to see how full it is, and coming up empty!!”
Griffiths finished his caption by thanking the NHS for their help in his treatment and recovery.
He added: “My thanks to our amazing @nhsengland for their care. X And lastly, the @buttonybear is winging its way via the surgical team to a child with a stoma.”
