First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has given fans an update on his health following his battle with cancer.
The 47 year old barman, who appears on the Channel 4 show alongside host Fred Sirieix, says he wants to make talking about "bowel habits" more normal.
Merlin was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in 2021, vowing that he wouldn't let the disease "get the better of him. He has since been sharing his journey on social media and posting selfies from his hospital bed.
Now he has opened up on how people discuss the disease, telling Express.co.uk: "There is still a certain amount of classic British reserve in the way that we deal with a lot of health issues."
"And this one is particularly it is in that area, isn't it? Because it's bowel cancer and in my case it was rectal cancer." He added: "So yeah, I've got to talk about a***s. I've got to talk about poo."
"I've got to talk about bowel habits, so on and so forth. You have to normalise this."
He continued: "There's actually a lot of people who have been through this or who are going through it. I reply personally to people all the time. I get messages on social about it. I chat to people quite happily about it and talk to them about their diagnosis and how they feel and how they're coping."
In June, he shared some good news with his followers, revealing that his one-year post-treatment scan was all clear.
The message read: "Hi Merlin, Hope you are well. Your CT scan has just come through. All looks good, there are no signs of any reoccurrence. Hope this is reassuring."
ITV Saturday Morning chef and This Morning regular James Martin commented: "Brilliant news fella just brilliant. See you at the house and stay for a glass or four."
In reply to the kind words from the chef, Merlin responded: "Thank you James. You've been a big part of my positivity the last few years mate."
The barman and mixologist then added an emoji of clinking glasses.
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