First Dates star Merlin Griffiths keen to 'normalise poo' after cancer battle

18 October 2023 , 10:20

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First Dates star Merlin Griffiths wants to 'normalise poo' in the wake of his bowel cancer recovery (Image: Instagram)

First Dates bartender Merlin Griffiths has shared a health update in which he encouraged "normalising poo" following his battle with bowel cancer.

The 48-year old, who owns The Priory Tavern in London used on the Channel 4 dating show, emphasised the importance of "demystifying" the illness and raising awareness of its symptoms. Merlin began by admitting there is still a considerable amount of "classic British reserve" when it comes to dealing with health issues.

"This one is particularly – it is in that area, isn't it?" he said. "Because it's bowel cancer and in my case it was rectal cancer." Merlin was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2021 and was given an "all-clear" result following a one-year scan earlier this year after successful treatment.

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths was diagnosed with bowel cancer (@merlinfdc4)

The reality star has always kept his followers updated with his progress and never shied away from revealing the hard truths of dealing with the disease. And thankfully after undergoing 18 months of intensive treatments and surgeries, fans were relieved to learn that he was winning his fight.

He continued: "So yeah, I've got to talk about a***s. I’ve got to talk about poo. I've got to talk about bowel habits, so on and so forth. You have to normalise this." Now fit and healthy, kind-hearted Merlin says he now uses his platform in the public eye to offer support to fans suffering similar experiences.

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"There's actually a lot of people who have been through this or who are going through it," he added to the Express.. "I chat to people quite happily about it and talk to them about their diagnosis and how they feel and how they're coping."

Speaking in June, Merlin uploaded a snap of an email following a CT scan that revealed the good news. It read: "Hi Merlin, hope you are well. Your CT scan has just come through. All looks good, there are no signs of reoccurrence. Hope this is reassuring."

He captioned the image: "Final Year 1 scan results are in, and it’s ALL CLEAR for now. Nice. Thank you # NHS #bowelcancerawareness." Many of his fans rushed to offer their congratulations in the comments section, with one penning: "Amazing news mate, my wife has just started chemo for ovarian cancer and you sir are such an inspiration."

Another wrote: "So great to hear that Merlin." And a third simply said: "Amazing."

Alan Johnson