First Dates star Merlin Griffiths will feature in new episodes amid bowel cancer journey

msn.com:

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths will feature in the entirety of series 9 of the Channel 4 show amid his bowel cancer journey. The 47-year-old, who works as the barman on the popular programme, announced he had been diagnosed with the disease in September last year.

Merlin, who has been in and out of hospital in recent weeks, will be back behind the bar and serving singletons their drink requests as they prepare to meet the partner of their dreams in the new episodes, which begin airing tonight.

And no doubt, fans will be delighted. Last month, Merlin announced he’s ‘back home’ after he was hospitalised with ‘complications’ relating to his illness.

Merlin’s recent hospital dash came after undergoing surgery to have a tumour removed. However, not soon after going under the knife, he shared a post from a hospital bed, writing: ‘Oh Squibwibble,’ with a fingers crossed emoji.