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

Ian Wright raves about Chorlton takeaway Jerk Junction

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Ian Wright raves about Chorlton takeaway Jerk Junction

Ian Wright has publicly raved about a Greater Manchester takeaway, saying it’s the ‘only reason’ he comes to the city.

The TV personality and football great took to Instagram yesterday to share his short but sweet review of Jerk Junction.

It’s a beloved takeaway and restaurant that has a few sites across Greater Manchester and tonnes of loyal followers – including more than a few famous faces.

And now Ian Wright has joined the legions of fans celebrating Jerk Junction, a Caribbean spot famed for its jerk chicken and curried meats.

On his Instagram page yesterday, Wrighty shared a video of himself tucking into a huge helping of curry and rice, with fried dumplings on the side.

In it, he gives the camera a big thumbs up before saying: “It’s the only reason I come to Manchester really.”

Jerk Junction has also shared a photo of them delivering the food to Ian, writing: “Special delivery to everyones favourite Uncle, The Legend himself Mr @wrightyofficial.”

Ian Wright raving about Jerk Junction on Instagram. Credit: Instagram, @wrightyofficial
Ian Wright raving about Jerk Junction on Instagram. Credit: Instagram, @wrightyofficial
Ian Wright with Jerk Junction. Credit: Instagram, @jerkjunction
Ian Wright with Jerk Junction. Credit: Instagram, @jerkjunction

Ian Wright has then replied: “Too much food! But it was amazing!! Thank you so much.”

The takeaway’s menu is filled with dishes like Jerk chicken, curried goat, and vegetarian options like Ital stew, all served with rice and peas, and prepared with traditional spices and ingredients.

They have sites in Chorlton, MediaCity, and Wilmslow, with another spot soon to open at the Trafford Centre.

Fans were devastated last year when a fire tore through Jerk Junction’s original Chorlton site.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

TV & Showbiz

The UK’s much-loved ‘day rave’ with Vicky and Jon McClure returns to Manchester for New Year’s Eve

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

One of the UK’s most popular new club events and pioneering ‘day rave’ is returning to Manchester this New Year’s, featuring founders Jon and Vicky McClure, as well as some very special guests.

The Line of Duty star and Reverend and the Makers frontman started the parent-friendly event back in January of this year as an alternative day out for those looking to have a party and still manage an early bedtime. Since then it’s gone on to become a real phenomenon and is only getting bigger.

With Vicky swapping UK dramas and crime thrillers for the discotheque and ‘Big Jon’ switching lanes from his usual rock, indie and alternative roots to favour timeless dance tracks to still get people up on their feet, Day Fever has gone down a storm all over the country.

With their first year coming towards a close, they now look set for arguably their biggest day rave to date as Day Fever will be hosting a special New Year’s Eve for their final hurrah of 2024 right here in Manchester city centre – and no, you don’t need to be able to stay up until midnight.

The two McClures – unrelated, by the way, they just share a name and a fantastic taste in music – and the rest of their crew will be partying between 3-8pm for a much more tame and friendlier night (day) out, commanding the decks alongside some other special guests.

Not only does this alternative way to party promise a more responsible curfew, meaning clubbers don’t have to worry about missing the last train home but it’s also geared towards over 30s whilst still being super inclusive.

This day-time clubbing event is designed to reminisce on the old days and all those dance-filled memories of evenings spent out on the tiles, just minus the late-night finish – and hopefully the hangover but that’s down to you really, isn’t it?

In their words: ‘There’s no dress code, no egos—just pure positivity’; there’s nothing we love to hear more than the sweet relief of not having to get dolled up for a big night when we just can’t be bothered.

With New Century Hall hosting the Day Fever once again for their first-ever NYE party here in Manchester, along with two other events being held simultaneously in Edinburgh and Birmingham, you can get all your partying done way with plenty of time to get cosy in bed before the calendar turns over.

Just in time to watch Jools Holland’s famous Annual Hootenanny, as they put it.

Jon McClure and Vicky’s co-star, Martin Compston
Vicky McClure leading the dance routines

This is guaranteed to be an evening to remember for everyone in attendance, especially when you’re joined by stars of stage and screen who will be powering you through with some proper dance bangers as they have done all year long.

The New Year’s Eve party isn’t just the last dance of the year either, it’s also effectively the prequel to next year’s raft of shows as Day Fever has already announced more than a dozen big dates in January and February.

This batch of 2025 dates sees the gang taking on lots of other cities, including North West neighbours Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Hull over in Yorkshire, two Newcastle shows and plenty more.

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So, if you’re feeling those clubbing blues, that pesky seasonal affective disorder or just still not booked up for NYE 2024, why not make the most of this day-time opportunity?

Tickets for both the New Year’s Eve and the rest of their 2025 events are available on the official Day Fever website HERE.

Oh yeah, and help get Rev to Christmas number one – it’s for a good cause and they deserve it!

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

Featured Images — Publicity Picture via Supplied

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