First Dates bartender Merlin Griffiths thanks the NHS for ‘saving my life’ after tumor surgery

Merlin Griffiths, 46, shared an update with fans about his “robot surgery” which removed a cancerous tumor in his gut. The lovable barman was joined by his cast on favorite Channel 4 show

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First Dates’ Merlin Griffiths talks colon cancer in 2021

First Dates bartender Merlin Griffiths has thanked the NHS for saving his life.

The 46-year-old Channel 4 star, who is loved by viewers for his cheerful demeanor, announced in September that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer.

He has since kept his followers updated on his battle with cancer, sharing various hospital bed snaps.

But on Wednesday, the barman took to Instagram and Twitter to share a smiling selfie and update fans on his “robot surgery” to remove a tumor.

Posting to his 64,400 followers on Instagram, he wrote, “And breathe. 6 days, from start to finish.

“Now for real #cancer cure. I have had open laparotomies before and the recovery was 6 weeks in the hospital prior to the robotic surgery!! Great.”

He later took to Twitter to reveal more details of his surgery and to thank the NHS for the “excellent” cancer treatment he received.

In a tweet to his 48,000 followers, Griffiths wrote, “Now that I’m home, I also want to share that the outstanding #cancer care has been jointly provided by MDTs at @OUHospitals & @nhsuhcw.

“Both treat patients using the latest gold (standard) paths for best outcomes. Highly recommended if you need to escalate your case.

“The journey is far from over. But the path is clearer now than it has been for some time. #nhs #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth”

Friends and fans sent him congratulations, and First Dates restaurant employee Cici Coleman left four love heart emojis.

Laura Tott, who also works on the show, wrote, “Sending you so much love,” while the show’s waiter Grant Urquhart commented, “Good luck mate.”

One follower wrote: “Awe I’ve been waiting for an update hope you’re feeling your best you’ve got that Merlin.”

Griffiths rose to fame as a bartender who chatted up dates while they waited at the bar for their match on Channel 4’s hit show.

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Last week he began updating fans about his cancer treatment in a series of posts on social media, including photos from the hospital before and after his surgery.

He shared a selfie from the hospital wearing a mask before his surgery with the caption, “Ready as I’ll ever be. tumor removal time.”

Griffiths later shared another post-op selfie, lying in a bed in a hospital gown, and wrote: “2am. Everywhere tubes out. discomfort and pain. But no tumor!”

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