TV & Showbiz

First Dates’ Merlin Griffiths has been given the ‘all clear’ from bowel cancer

These are the kind of headlines we love to write.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 8th June 2023

Merlin Griffiths has been given the ‘all clear’ from bowel cancer following his first-year scan. Things you absolutely LOVE to hear.

The beloved First Dates bartender was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer back in 2021 and had undergone multiple surgeries since then, including a first robotic operation to remove a 4.5cm-wide tumour in April last year.

Now, after going along for multiple CT scans following his first full year of treatment, Merlin received the final results from his doctor who confirmed that he has been given the all-clear, sharing the email on his Instagram account.

Wonderful news.

Read more:

As the email reads, his doctor informed him that “all looks good” and that “there are no signs of any reoccurrence” at this time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Writing in the caption, the 48-year-old added: “Final Year 1 scan results are in, and it’s ALL CLEAR for now. Nice. Thank you #NHS #bowelcancerawareness.”

Merlin told his followers that he was “clear” of the disease last month following his initial scans, having continued to film First Dates and make other TV appearances throughout his 18-month cancer battle, but was only made certain after these final results. What a legend.

ADVERTISEMENT

We’re so happy for you, Merlin, and we hope to see you back behind the bar and slinging drinks again soon.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Merlin Griffiths (via Instagram)/Channel 4

TV & Showbiz

Amazon Prime Video release trailer for Man United’s treble documentary, ’99’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Trailer for Amazon's Man United Treble documentary

Just a fortnight on from Manchester City releasing their treble documentary on Netflix, Manchester United have issued a timely reminder that they did it first by releasing a trailer for their own on Amazon Prime Video.

Oh, we’re about to enjoy some serious online debate and not at all petty social media spats over the next few days. Play nice, everyone…

Simply entitled 99, the new documentary series from fellow streaming giants Amazon will cover Man United‘s hallowed 1998/99 season, where they became the first-ever English club in history to win a treble and went down as one of the greatest teams in football history.

Considered the holy trinity of trophies in Europe – winning the first division in your country, the main domestic cup and the Champions League – the true ‘continental’ treble has only ever been completed by eight teams and the Red Devils are clearly looking to capitalise on the same media buzz as City.

The first trailer for Amazon’s upcoming documentary about Man United’s treble season?

While Man City are still well and truly basking in the glory of achieving the incredible footballing feat, with the possibility of defending all three titles still very much on the cards,

There have been multiple productions celebrating United’s lifting that same trio of trophies in the past, from The Treble season review film released in 1999 itself to the likes of The Impossible Dream released on its 20th anniversary in 2019 and others, but this latest is set to be the comprehensive look yet.

Showing “never-before-seen footage” and featuring the stories “told by those who were there – including David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Peter Schmeichel, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and more. documentary” – it promises to serve as the “definitive documentary” of United’s treble season.

Naturally, there’s already plenty of discussion rearing its head over which team was more impressive.

Next debate: who’s treble documentary is going to be better, City or United’s?

Read more:

Amazon has scheduled 99 for a 17 May release date, just over a month and a half on from City releasing Together: Treble Winners, not to mention dropping the trailer itself barely a fortnight after the fact.

Although many have been quick to point out that the docuseries omits any discussion of their ongoing FFP charges – with Paddy Power even spoofing it as a Netflix true crime drama – it has received largely positive reviews for its fly-on-the-wall look at one of the best teams in the world.

Set to be fittingly spread over three parts, 99 is also being co-created by three different parties: Ventureland, Gary Neville’s production company, Buzz16.2, and David Beckham’s Leigh-based production house, Studio 99.

The latter were obviously heavily involved in the recent Beckham Netflix series, so fans of that can expect similar vibes from Amazon’s documentary on United’s own treble season and the momentous year that was 1999.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Amazon Prime Video

TV & Showbiz

Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest is to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester next month.

Following the success of the first-ever live streams of Europe’s biggest party onto the big screen when it was held on British soil in Liverpool last year, cinemas up and down the UK are set to come together once again to celebrate 2024’s edition of the major night in the music calendar by hosting the ultimate viewing events.

The epic Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final on Saturday 11 May will be broadcast live on BBC One, and streamed into more than 100 cinemas nationwide – including several in Greater Manchester.

Hosted by CinemaLive, the live stream events will allow Eurovision fans to gather under one roof and be “united by music” to share in the unbeatable experience of celebrating the brightest and boldest music party of the year on the big screen.

Eurovision 2024 final to be screened live in cinemas across Greater Manchester / Credit: Cinema Live | Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

You may remember that Sweden is hosting Eurovision this year, following the Scandinavian country’s well-deserved victory at the 2023 contest with the song ‘Tattoo’ performed by Loreen.

But thanks to these live stream events, you won’t need to make the trip to Malmö to get in on the action, as you’ll just need to nip down to your nearest participating cinema instead.

Not only will the long-awaited final of the show be streamed live onto the big screen in 5.1 surround sound, but fans are invited to bring their Eurovision parties from the front room to the cinema instead, as organisers say fancy dress is “heavily encouraged” as are enthusiastic sing-alongs too.

Speaking ahead of the event next month, John Travers from distributors CinemaLive, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC to bring Eurovision’s grand final live into cinemas across the UK for the second year in a row.

“We want audiences to enjoy themselves, so come along in groups, get your fancy dress on, and join together to enjoy this incredible occasion on the big screen”.

Tickets are now live and available to book at your local cinema here.

Read more:

Some of the participating Greater Manchester cinemas include Vue Manchester Printworks, Everymans in Manchester city centre and Altrincham, The Light in Stockport, and Cineworld in Didsbury, among others.

Featured Image – Nick Robinson (via BBC)

More TV & Showbiz

Boroughs

The BBC is looking for Manc entrepreneurs for a new series of The Apprentice

Al Murray Greater Manchester tour dates

Salford

UK comedy legend Al Murray is playing two Greater Manchester shows this year

Why is Colin Firth now in the new Bridget Jones movie?

Trending

A new Bridget Jones film is on the way – but a key actor won’t be returning for the fourth instalment

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches