FIRST Dates star Merlin Griffiths has shared a major health update on his cancer battle.
The 47-year-old, who is a staple on the Channel 4 dating show, has shared an update with fans.
The popular barman was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and had a tumour and part of his colon removed.
Now Merlin has revealed he is being discharged from hospital after a "tough and fraught week".
Taking to Twitter, Griffiths posted: "Phew. Getting discharged from hospital today.
Kylie Jenner goes braless in mesh catsuit for new snaps on New Year's Eve
"It's been a tough and fraught week. Recovery will not be fast, but I'll get there. And I've got much better TP at home! Thank you @nhsuhcw, exemplary as always."
Following the news, fans have sent Merlin well wishes on social media.
One wrote: "Best of luck Merlin, hope alls going well and that you’re able to get back into what you do so well."
Another said: "Bless you Merlin, much better to be at home, and thank your for sharing your journey."
"Best of luck with your continued recovery - hopefully you’ll relax and feel more comfortable at home," said a third.
While a fourth posted: "That's great news Merlin, best of luck with your recovery!"
The TV star previously said how, after undergoing chemotherapy and two operations, he is living with bowel cancer.
Last week Merlin revealed he underwent an operation to reverse his abdominal stoma.
The star was fitted with a colostomy bag, but revealed he had his final procedure which would allow him to poop normally again.
Merlin, 47, looked in good spirits and cracked a joke after the op.
Stacey Solomon says her life a 'mess' as she makes New Year's resolution
The TV barman wrote: "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"
Merlin previously told The Sun in an exclusive chat how he was living with cancer.
He said: “That’s an important distinction to make. Just because you have an operation to remove the tumour doesn’t mean that all of a sudden you are cancer free.
“They used to call it remission, now they call it NED, which means no evidence of disease.
“So NED happens after five years for bowel cancer. Now it’s a five year ongoing process before they are willing to say alright, yeah, you’re about as safe as you can be.”
He adds: “From there you'll still have more regular check ups than most and then it’s ten years, you’re off the list from ten years. That's as far as it goes.
“If there’s no recurrence of disease after ten years, then you are technically cured."
