First Dates star opens up on ‘life-changing consequences’ of cancer battle
ok.co.ukFirst Dates star Merlin Griffiths has given an update on his health, seven months after getting the 'all clear' after suffering with bowel cancer.The 48 year old, who is recognisable to fans as the barman from First Dates, has undergone chemotherapy and two operations to remove a tumour.
But despite beating the disease, dad-of-two Merlin revealed that he is suffering with the "consequences" of his illness. He appeared on BBC Breakfast as First Dates launches a new series after 10 years on-air.
Giving an update on his health, Merlin told presenter Jon Kay: "All good. Living with the fall out. "But, you know, as anyone who has been through cancer and come out the other side knows, there are always consequences to something like this." Merlin continued: "It's life changing.
I have a condition called Low Anterior Resection Syndrome now to deal with, but that's all right. "We live with it, we move forward.The main thing is, one is live and able to smile and able to work at the bar in the restaurant." The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence describes the syndrome as "a collection of symptoms that people who have undergone a partial or total resection of the rectum might have".
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