The barman from First Dates has told fans that he will be having a hi-tech “robotic” operation as he battles against cancer.
Merlin Griffiths, 46, shared the emotional news with fans on social media this week after being given a bowel cancer diagnosis last year.
Doctors had told him he had a 75% chance of living beyond five years after they found a 4.5cm (1.7 inch) stage three tumour.
The fan favourite from the Channel 4 TV programme is often praised for his calm and friendly presence while nervous participants get to know each other over a drink.
Talking about his upcoming surgery, he posted on Twitter: “Operation scheduled. 3 weeks to get my s**t together. Robotic surgery, welcome to the future!”
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Sunday Mirror)
After receiving a flood of sympathetic comments in response, he said: “Thank you to everyone wishing me well. X… May your lives be prosperous and filled with empathy and happiness.”
Robotic surgery sees surgeons control the limb movements of a four-armed machine which holds surgical tools and a camera.
Doctors are able to watch the operation through a magnified screen. It has a high success rate, ranging between 94% and 100%
In a brave interview with the Sunday Mirror in September, Merlin described the heartbreaking moment he had to tell his seven-year-old daughter about his diagnosis.
(Image: © Nick Harvey 2019)
He recalled: “I said, ‘Dad’s got cancer’. She said, ‘Is that bad, Dad?’
“I said, ‘Yes, it’s very serious but I think it should be OK. Modern medicine’s great and if anything changes I’ll let you know.’”
Merlin also revealed that he had “shed a tear in private” but had chosen to “lead my life as normal” and “keep putting one step in front of the other”.
The famous barkeep also owns the Dog and Gun pub in Walton, a village in Leicestershire.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
