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TV & Film

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths reveals he’s showing no evidence of cancer

Wonderful news!

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Channel 4 & @merlinfdc4 / Instagram

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has revealed he’s showing no evidence of cancer after his one year check-up.

The much loved bartender announced the positive update on his Instagram page where he said there was no sign of any cancer in his body during his one year examination.

The TV bartender won over the hearts of millions who tuned in to watch the Channel 4 reality dating show, First Dates.

He chatted to and reassured nervous singles getting ready to meet their perfect pairing on the popular show, while simultaneously whipping up their favourite drinks behind the bar.

@merlinfdc4 / Instagram

In a caption next to his picture post he wrote: “Scroll across… 1 year colonoscopy check up for #bowelcancer. Prep was soo difficult this time. Soiled the bed several times overnight, resorted to adult nappies, got about 2 hours kip.

“Felt like hell. First one with my newly connected arse too (sans rectum), so I was a little nervous. But along with my last blood tests (clear), at one year examination, we’re clear!

“Phew. Next one at 3 years (2025). Last one at 5 years (2027) #bowelcancerawarenessmonth. Love to all you fellow bowel cancer peeps, keep on keeping on!”

@merlinfdc4 / Instagram

The 47-year-old was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and has since been receiving treatment as well as raising awareness around the disease and sharing the stages of his journey with followers.

He was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer after a 4.5cm tumour was found inside his bowel. The TV personality underwent surgery in April of last year and faced a setback in September, but shared a positive update in January that he was in the final stages of his cancer treatment.

One commenter said: “I had my 1 year colonoscopy and bloods a couple of weeks ago, I was all clear too. So relieved, glad you got good news too.” Another wrote: “You’re a legend Merlin never forget that.” A third put: “Great news – your honesty and frankness is a credit to you.”

@merlinfdc4 / Instagram

A fourth said: “You are a very brave and inspirational man…. You have been through hell but have found the courage to share your story and help fellow sufferers, amazing! Keep on doing what you’re doing! 

And, a fifth typed: “Thank you for your honesty about the process. It’s not pleasant but talking about it is so important. So pleased that you received good news.”

In the wake of the good news, Griffiths is set to undergo his next check-up in three years’ time. If there continues to be no evidence of cancer, his final check-up will take place in 2027.

Channel 4

Opening up about his health journey Griffiths previously stressed the importance of distinguishing between ‘living with cancer’ and being ‘cancer free’.

“That’s an important distinction to make,” he said.  “Just because you have an operation to remove the tumour doesn’t mean that all of a sudden you are cancer free.” He also spoke of how we now say NED; no evidence of disease.

He said: “They used to call it remission, now they call it NED, which means no evidence of disease. So NED happens after five years for bowel cancer. Now it’s a five-year ongoing process before they are willing to say alright, yeah, you’re about as safe as you can be.”

TV & Film

Amanda Holden could ‘take over from Paul O’Grady’ on For the Love of Dogs

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@noholdenback / Instagram

Amanda Holden looks set to ‘take over from the late Paul O’Grady’ on ITV’s For the Love of Dogs, according to reports.

The 52-year-old Britain’s Got Talent judge is said to be the ‘natural choice’ to take the place of the late comedian — known for his love of animals — on his beloved Battersea Dogs Home series.

The national treasure and TV presenter, who performed for years as both himself as his drag alter-ego Lily Savage, died ‘unexpectedly’ but peacefully’ at his Kent home in March, at the age of 67.

An advocate for the welfare of dogs, O’Grady began presenting the series in 2012, based out of the dogs and cats care facility in London.

@noholdenback / Instagram

It’s beginning to look as though his friend and fellow TV presenter Amanda Holden will take hold of the reins of the much-loved series, which is in its 11th, and potentially, final season.

Talking to The Sun, a source said: “Executives just feel like it’s too soon to make firm plans about the series, as it’s barely been two months since he died.”

However, they added: “But the feeling at the home is that [Amanda as host] what Paul would have wanted. He cared deeply about the animals in Battersea.

@noholdenback / Instagram

“Amanda is the natural choice to take over the job, not just because she’s a seasoned presenter but because she also cares about the home.” Amanda is also an ambassador at the Battersea Dogs & Cats home, just as Paul was.

The latest episodes of the series, which were filmed with O’Grady has host before his ‘peaceful but unexpected’ death, have left viewers feeling emotional. Paul became teary as he saw ‘Freddie’ the dog suffering due to a deep wound that needed careful surgery and stitches.

“Can’t work out if this series is making me cry more because of the specific stories or because Paul is gone. Maybe both,” one viewer posted on Twitter.

Another added: “Oh god, here we go again, more tears for the beautiful pooches & our dear, wonderful irreplaceable Paul. That said, I really hope someone will pick this up & carry on Paul’s truly amazing work with Battersea.”

 

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TV & Film

Mamma Mia 3 could ‘finally be in the works’

Exciting news for Mamma Mia fans!

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Universal Pictures

A Mamma Mia 3 movie is said to be ‘finally in the works’.

It’s good news for Mamma Mia fans as the ABBA-themed sing-along rom-com reportedly has a third in the pipeline.

Fifteen years after the first Mamma Mia was released, and five since Mamma Mia 2, fans will be delighted as their hopes and dreams may finally come true.

A handful of stars from the show have expressed their desire to have a third movie — so perhaps it’s time for Universal Pictures to put their ‘money, money, money’ where their mouth is and get this movie made.

There’s no official confirmation just yet. However, Mamma Mia‘s original production team have spoken out about a potential third film — sounds promising!

The show’s creator confirmed she had a story ready, plus there are still more ABBA songs out there to cover. According to Deadline, Mamma Mia creator, Judy Craymer, has got some fresh ideas to take things forward.

“I don’t want to over-egg it, but I know there’s a trilogy there,” she said. “There is a story there, and I do think Meryl should come back – and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna.” Come on, Meryl!

Craymer’s not the only one willing to take a chance on Mamma Mia 3 as movie star Pierce Brosnan told The Kelly Clarkson Show that the cast were ‘talking about it’.

Back in June 2020, Craymer also revealed to the Daily Mail that she had been working on the third instalment for some time. “I think one day there will be another film, because there’s meant to be a trilogy, you see. I know Universal would like me to do it,” she said.

While audiences might be shouting ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’, it’s still really early days for the film’s production — though Brosnan reckons his co-stars would come back as ‘it was criminal how much fun we had’.

If a third movie does go ahead, that could be it for the Mamma Mia story, as Craymer has previously spoken about a ‘trilogy’. So when the credits roll and the curtains draw, it might be a case of ‘Thank You for the Music’.

That’s all we have for now, so keep your eyes peeled for further updates here.

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TV & Film

Netflix share first look at new Harlan Coben thriller filmed in Manchester

We can’t wait for this!

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Netflix

Netflix have shared the first pictures from its new Harlan Coben thriller Fool Me Once.

The streaming giant and thriller writer have teamed up to deliver a new screen adaptation of Fool Me Once, following past successful collaborations including The Stranger, Safe and Stay Close.

This next one is set to be so good, it’ll have you gripped to the edge of your seat. It’s not surprising considering its stellar cast with the likes of talented actors such as Michelle Keegan, Richard Armitage and Joanna Lumley.

Netflix

The plot sees Maya (Keegan) grieve the death of her husband Joe (Armitage), but after installing a nanny-cam to watch over her daughter, she sees a man in her house she recognises — her dead husband.

Detective Sergeant Sami Kierce is leading the homicide investigation into Joe’s death, whilst also battling secrets of his own.

Maya’s niece and nephew are dealing with their own mother’s murder, which occurred a few months earlier, and they’re on the hunt for answers. Is there any chance the two cases are connected?

Netflix

Harlan Coben describes the series as a ‘pulse-pounder’ and says it is ‘a shocking story of how secrets and deceit have the power to bring people together while simultaneously tearing them apart’. 

Joanna Lumley will be joining the cast as Judith Burkett, Joe’s very protective mother, and completing the main cast is Adeel Akhtar, who takes on the role of Detective Sergeant Sami Kierce. Other cast members include Emmett J. Scanlan and Dino Fetscher.

Ahead of its release, Netflix have now shared first look pictures from the set of the upcoming eight-part series.

Netflix

Filming for the series began in Manchester and around the North West in February.

Keegan broke the news of her casting via an Instagram post the same month, saying she was ‘over the moon’ to be taking part in the show alongside a photo of her reading the novel on which it is based.

A release date for Fool Me Once is yet to be announced. 

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