TV & Showbiz

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths updates fans from hospital amid cancer treatment

Get well soon Merlin.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 24th January 2023

Merlin Griffiths, the much-loved bartender from hit series First Dates, has shared an update from his hospital bed.

The 47-year-old has been receiving treatment for Stage 3 bowel cancer since his diagnosis in September 2021.

And the Channel 4 star now shared a very honest update on his health, with a selfie in a hospital gown.

Merlin wrote that a previous surgery, which left him with a stoma bag, has been reversed – and now he’s medically required to learn how to fart again.

He said on Twitter: “Gosh, it’s very odd knowing all my insides are actually inside me again after 9 months of a #stoma. Next step, farting. Then food. #NHS #Cancer #Surgery.”

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Merlin on First Dates. Credit: Instagram

He later added: “My plumbing works then. Cor blimey. This will take some training and getting used to.

“Thank goodness for Kegels! Essential!!Pull up nappy deployed for safety.Need a biscuit.”

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In a more detailed message on Instagram, Merlin said: “Ouch. Time for a nap. Surgery done, tomorrow is a new day. Things start happening once I fart properly! I hope it’s soon because I’m very hungry….

“Feels weird looking down and not seeing a #Stoma . My hand keeps feeling for my bag to see how full it is, and coming up empty!! My thanks to our amazing @nhsengland for their care.”

Merlin also used his platform and his Instagram following of 124k people to promote a business called A Bear Named Buttony, which creates stuffed toys with stomas and storybooks to support young people.

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He’s received hundreds of messages of support from fellow bowel cancer patients and other members of the public too.

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Adele Roberts, who also has bowel cancer, wrote: “Fabulous to hear you’re on the mend Merlin!”

Chef Marcus Bean posted: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, keep pushing mate, your doing amazing! Cant wait to see you on our screens behind the bar doing an amazing job as always x”

And TV personality Saira Khan said: “Get well soon. Sending you lots of love.”

Get well soon, Merlin!

Featured image: Instagram, @merlinfdc4

TV & Showbiz

Bez and Shaun Ryder are starring in a new gangster movie – nope, not kidding

Danny Jones Danny Jones Bez and Shaun Ryder acting in new gangster film

No, you didn’t misread the headline and you’re not on acid: Manchester music legends Bez and Shaun Ryder are set to feature in a brand-new gangster film.

Yes, the ones from the Happy Mondays – why are you having such trouble processing this?

Seriously though, we did a little double-take ourselves when we came across this news, but the familiar Manc faces look to be among the ensemble of a brand-new gangster movie by Irish writer, actor, producer and filmmaker, Ciaron Davies.

And this is just a little leak or rumour that may have been blown out of proportion: you can take it from the horse’s mouth as Happy Mondays frontman, Ryder, recently shared the news on social media.

As you can see, the new film is called Geezers and is billed as a “British crime caper” written and directed by Davies, featuring Shaun as hard-man Robbie and Bez as ‘Monk’. If you saw Ryder shaking off that snake biting his hand like it was nothing then you already know he’s hard as nails.

Although it’s not strictly listed as a comedy per se, ‘caper’ would suggest plenty of humour and light-heartedness, so we’re thinking more like The Gentleman, Italian Job, or maybe even Four Lions, rather than a serious crime thriller.

Now, while we’ve seen both of the Salfordians on screen before not only in the likes of music videos, interviews, panel shows and even as two of the funniest guests to ever go on Celebrity Gogglebox, this latest venture will serve as their respective acting debuts.

According to the IMDb page, the synopsis of the film is as follows: “Crime caper about a stolen bag of money. Caught in the crossfire are ‘The Geezers’ a bunch of wannabe criminals who have bitten off more than they can chew. With 24 hours to grab the cash, London may just go up in smoke tonight.”

Shame it’s not set on the mean streets of Manchester, or better yet Salford, but you’ve still very much caught our interest.

You can see the first promotional poster for the film down below.

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As for Davies, he has been involved with a number of small-budget TV film projects, as well as appearing in shorts and even video games, so it’s fair to say that getting 62-year-old Ryder and his ever-energetic hype man, 60, involved is quite the coup for his movie-making career.

We’re still not over Bez rather randomly delivering a curry to our offices, to be honest, so seeing him act is going to feel like one long fever dream.

Although the film has no release date just yet, we know that filming locations having included parts of Warrington and Pinewood Studios, will be produced by Loose Gripp Films and distributed by publishers High Fliers.

Given the high-octane nature of Geezers and its genre, the feature will involve lots of action, stunts, violence and even martial arts – though how much kung-fu these two will have learned for the project remains to be seen…

All we know is that the film is supposedly “coming soon” and if you don’t want to see Bez and Shaun Ryder doing their best impression of a Guy Ritchie gangster movie then you’re lying to yourself. Praying for a Rowetta cameo to put the cherry on top.

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Featured Images — Shaun Ryder (via X)/Loose Gripp Films/IMDb

TV & Showbiz

Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Cinemas across the UK will be screening loads of classic festive films in the run-up to Christmas, and you can already book tickets.

With the nights drawing in, the temperatures dropping by the day, and the most wonderful time of the year now firmly in our sights, film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun in the run-up to the big day itself will soon be able to head on down to their nearest Greater Manchester cinema to catch a classic on the big screen.

Vue, Odeon, and The Light are among the cinema chains set to screen a handful of beloved Christmas films throughout December.

Although there may already be a TV channel showing Christmas films 24/7 now on air in the UK, if you fancy seeing the festivities in full screen instead, then you can watch showings of fan-favourites like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, and more over the next few weeks.

Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December / Credit: 20th Century Studios | Universal Pictures

You can also see seasonal screenings of live ballet, theatre, and concert performances too.

Undoubtably one of the highlights on the lineup this year, however, has to be The Polar Express, with several cinema chains scheduled to screen the 2004 animated Christmas gem to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release.

Starring Tom Hanks alongside a talented supporting cast of voice actors, The Polar Express is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg and tells the story of a young boy who boards a powerful magical train to visit Santa Claus’ home on Christmas Eve, learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas along the way.

Elf, Home Alone, and Love Actually are among the films on the lineup / Credit: Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

Looking for a more intimate festive film experience this Christmas?

Well you can also get yourself down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, where a jam-packed lineup of classics will be screened in its very-own exclusive cinema over the next two months.

Here you can also complete your seasonal experience with festive-themed cocktails, popcorn, pick n mix, and a whole host of other treats too.

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Head to your local cinema’s website to check when your favourite festive flicks are being screened.

Featured Image – Warner Bros.

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