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.

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

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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.

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

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

TV & Showbiz

Tyson and Paris Fury reveal baby name – and it’s a touching tribute

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Paris and Tyson Fury have revealed their newborn's name. Credit: Instagram

Tyson Fury and his wife Paris have revealed the name they have given their newborn baby, and it’s a beautiful family tribute.

The beautiful baby boy, who was born 18 September, is their seventh child together.

Today, in an exclusive with OK! Magazine, Paris Fury confirmed that they’ve settled on a name for the tiny new addition.

He is called Prince Rico Paris Fury, but will be known as Rico.

His name is a tribute to Tyson’s cousin Rico Burton, who died after being stabbed outside a bar in Altrincham.

Heavyweight boxer Tyson said at the time that there needed to be higher sentences for knife crime after the death of his cousin, saying: “Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick, enjoy every moment.”

The baby’s middle name is a tribute to his mum Paris, 32, who has become a national treasure through their Netflix series At Home With The Tysons.

Paris said of the photoshoot: “I love this photo of his beautiful newborn smile. Love all the photos from this shoot.”

At the time of Rico’s birth, a delighted Tyson wrote: “He’s here and he’s perfect @parisfury1.”

All of the Fury’s sons share the same first name of Prince, with Tyson saying: “I’m a king and they’re princes until they earn their rightful name.”

Their other children are Venezuala Lynda, 14; Prince John James, 11; Prince Tyson II, seven; Valencia Amber, five; Prince Adonis Amaziah, four; and Athena Amour, two.

Tyson Fury, originally from Wythenshawe, married Paris in 2018 after they met as teenagers.

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Featured image: Instagram, @tysonfury

TV & Showbiz

Manc fiancés brave enough to have their wedding planned by amateurs wanted for new series

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Just got engaged recently? Reckon you’d be brave enough to hand the wedding planning reins over to an amateur to sort out on your behalf?

Well, it sounds like you could be exactly what the BBC‘s looking for.

Casting directors behind one of the broadcaster’s newest smash-hit reality competition shows, Ultimate Wedding Planner, are currently planning for the next series of the show – which is set to hit our screens in 2024 – and are calling on engaged couples from Greater Manchester to put themselves forward for taking part.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the series, Ultimate Wedding Planner sees eight aspiring wedding planners battle it out to become the best of the best.

Six of Britain’s bravest couples agree to let them take control of the biggest day of their lives.

Manc fiancés brave enough to have their wedding planned by amateurs wanted for new series / Credit: BBC

Working to a budget, and under the watchful eye of the three celebrity judges, Fred Sirieix, Sara Davies, and Raj Somaiya, the aspiring planners have to upscale the design and guest experience for six real-life weddings.

They’re tasked with everything from organising table designs, floral centrepieces, aisle runners, menus, and bespoke themed installation builds, to arranging firework displays, acrobatics, dance troops, and even light displays.

Each episode, the aspiring planners have just three days to make the couples’ wildest dreams become a reality, and ultimately, “supersize their wedding day to transform it from ordinary to extraordinary”.

So, if you’re getting married in the UK next year, the BBC wants to hear from you.

Those who are ready to hand over control, and are keen for their wedding to be considered, are urged to get in touch with the BBC to register their interest.

At the moment, with a second series of the show only potentially in the works and still yet to be confirmed, the BBC wants interested couples to know that subject to having registered their interest, an online application form to complete for consideration will be sent out in due course.

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You can register your interest here.

Featured Image – Luis Tosta (via Unsplash)

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