First Dates' Merlin Griffiths says 'life will never be the same' in tragic cancer update

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has candidly revealed the enduring impact of his cancer battle, confessing that he'll 'never be the same again' after overcoming stage three bowel cancer.

The Channel 4 personality, aged 49, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021. Following a gruelling 18-month period of intensive treatments, Merlin received the all-clear last year.

However, the profound effect of such a transformative experience lingers, serving as a daily reminder of his fortunate survival.

Despite receiving the all-clear, the esteemed bartender, who works alongside First Dates icon Fred Sirieix, will remain under medical supervision for the next two years. He is gradually regaining his full strength after undergoing rigorous treatments, including chemotherapy.

Throughout his cancer ordeal, Merlin courageously documented his journey on social media, inspiring his multitude of followers with his optimistic perspective on the challenging circumstances life presented him with. His story serves as proof that one can still lead a fulfilling life while battling cancer, reports the Mirror.

Upon receiving the life-altering news of his cancer clearance, Merlin exclusively shared with The Mirror his secret to maintaining positivity and resilience during the bleak times. However, he conceded that his daunting experience has forever changed him.

The renowned First Dates maitre d', Merlin Griffiths, opened up about his battle with bowel cancer, saying: "My life will never quite be the same, and anyone that has gone through bowel cancer and the horrific treatment that it involves will understand. I might look whole, but I'm actually missing about 45% of my insides. It's quite a major amputation internally that I have had."

Detailing the lifelong impact of his diagnosis, Merlin said, "For the rest of my life, I'll have this condition called Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome. All forms of cancers tend to have longer-term fallouts that a lot of people I don't think are aware of, but, I still approach everyday with positivity because, what else can I do. It's been difficult but I'm so grateful to be here".

Merlins outlook on life has taken a poignant turn since his diagnosis, as he emphasised: "I'm genuinely happy to savour every single day that I'm here quite frankly."

The TV star further explained that, while some might respond to such experiences by creating lavish bucket lists, he finds joy in the simpler things: "Some people make extreme bucket lists after an experience like this, but I'm just happy to enjoy the small things in life which make life so special."

When asked for his advice to those grappling with a bowel cancer diagnosis, Merlin didn't hesitate to emphasise the importance of caring for close ones. The beloved television personality stressed: "I would say the most important thing is to look after those around you. I find that it's very easy to come to terms with a diagnosis yourself, because you simply do or you do not. If you do not, you could end up in some pretty dark spaces mentally."

"Most of the people that I've spoken to who have been recently diagnosed with cancer quickly come to terms with it, they know that they can't change it so they're forced to deal with what's been handed to them. So, in turn, it's the fallout on the person's friends and family - they're the ones who will be suffering in silence. It's tough because they will be worried and scared for you and scared of losing you."

Remaining positive, Merlin concluded with an uplifting message for those battling cancer, encouraging them to stay strong. "You have to keep your chin up. Cancer is not always a death sentence, people have to remember that. Modern medicine is incredibly good. The care I received from the NHS was absolutely stellar."

"Once I'd been scanned and diagnosed, the magic words I heard from the oncologists were 'we aim to cure you'. I don't think people realise that about cancer these days. Chemotherapy 30 or 40 years ago really was awful - you would spend your entire time in hospital - it was incredibly dangerous. But now, it's tailored and it's targeted and it's come on leaps and bounds and there are so many new advances. It;'s mindblowing. So just keep your chin up."

After his one-year scan, Merlin delightedly informed his followers of his "all-clear" status. On Instagram, he posted an email regarding his CT scan.

It stated: "Hi Merlin, hope you are well. Your CT scan has just come through. All looks good, there are no signs of recurrence. Hope this is reassuring."

He accompanied the post with a caption: "Final Year 1 scan results are in, and it's ALL CLEAR for now. Nice. Thank you # NHS #bowelcancerawareness."

Merlin is currently collaborating with SodaStream on a summer drinks menu, perfectly timed as the UK anticipates a heatwave with temperatures soaring to 31c this week.

The iconic fizzy water brand is giving your summer a twist with three zesty new additions to its Classic selection: orange mango, cloudy lemonade, and passionfruit, all claiming to be the ultimate in refreshment nirvana. Tapping into his celebrated mixology prowess, Merlin has whipped up an irresistible trio of summer sips, blending these brand-new fruity infusions into two mocktails and a cocktail, a nod to the growing trend of Britons paring back on boozeMerlin himself among the moderation movement.

"I'm excited to be working with SodaStream to curate a summer drinks menu that not only tastes delicious but also does good for the planet," Griffiths enthused. "What's great about them is they're all super easy to make and are made from ingredients anyone can get their hands on."

For those inclined to elevate their home bar scene, Sodastream devices can be snagged at prestigious stockists including John Lewis, Lakeland, The Range, and Amazon.