First Dates star Fred Sirieix has shared an update on his co-star Merlin Griffiths, who recently underwent surgery to have a tumour removed amid his battle with cancer.
In September last year, Merlin, 47, announced he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer, and thanked the NHS for ‘saving his life’ earlier this year after his tumour was removed.
Fred, the maitre d’ if the popular Channel 4 reality dating show, has promised to keep in touch with his ‘incredible’ co-star, and said the barman is ‘incredibly stoic in the face of what’s happening to him’.
The 50-year-old said: ‘I really love him. He’s incredibly positive and pragmatic as well. I’m just not surprised because that’s the type of guy he is.
‘You can always rely on Merlin,’ Fred added to Mail Online.
He revealed that he has been speaking over the phone and texting with Merlin, ‘making sure he’s ok.’
Merlin underwent surgery in April, after keeping fans up to date with his journey and raising awareness during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month.
Fred continued: ‘It reminds you of how lucky you are. If you’re healthy and you have your wits about you, that’s it. You are having a good life.
‘But it can be all taken away from us so quickly and unexpectedly so we’ve got to cherish and enjoy every single moment.’
Fred confirmed that Merlin remains in ‘good spirits’, saying: ‘Maybe we’ll sit down and have a nice roast and a pint after a walk on a Sunday.’
Shortly after his diagnosis in September, Merlin had shared that he had told his friends and co-workers, and recalled how ‘encouraging’ Fred was in response to the news.
‘A week later I called some close friends. Fred was lovely and encouraging. He asked me how it has changed my life,’ Merlin told The Mirror.
‘I told him, “You either let it or you don’t. If you let it, it can take you down some pretty dark places”.’
Merlin also informed CiCi Coleman and Grant Urquhart, who both work as members of the waiting staff in the First Dates restaurant.
The bartender, who is also a pub landlord, said that they were both shocked, with Grant responding with some kind words about Merlin.
‘CiCi and Grant were both shocked. Grant said, “Christ, man, this sort of thing always seems to happen to the best of people.” That was very sweet,’ Merlin recollected.
First Dates is available to watch on All4.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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