Inside First Dates star Merlin Griffiths' love life from meet-cute to health ordeal

First Dates Hotel: Merlin Griffiths gets his Tarot cards read

First Dates wouldn't be the same without its beloved Merin Griffiths, and devotees are dying to know all about this Channel 4 gem.

As a pivotal fixture for over 11 years, Merlin has charmed the nation on First Dates, working alongside suave maitre d' Fred Sirieix.

Unlike the fresh faces seeking love at the show's restaurant, Merlin, at 49, is already smitten with his partner Lucile.

Although their romance details remain under wraps, whispers suggest they crossed paths over a decade past at a cocktail competition.

The couple ventured into the hospitality scene together in 2010, opening The Priory Tavern in Kilburn, which snagged the prestigious Regional Cellar Keeper Of The Year award five years following.

Inside First Dates star Merlin Griffiths' love life from meet-cute to health ordeal (Image: CHANNEL 4)

First Dates' Merlin Griffiths was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2021. (Image: INSTAGRAM)

Zoom to 2024, and Merlin balances TV appearances on First Dates with managing The Dog And Gun pub nestled in Walton near Lutterworth.

Together with Lucile, he dotes on their daughter Alix, but insists on keeping family affairs away from the media glare.

Despite his private nature when it comes to family, Merlin's openness about his health journey strikes a different chord.

Battling stage three bowel cancer identified in 2021, he weathered an arduous 18-month treatment ordeal before being deemed cancer-free.

He said: "My life will never quite be the same, and anyone that has gone through bowel cancer and the horrific treatment that it involves will understand.

First Dates has returned for season 22 on Channel 4. (Image: CHANNEL 4) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"I might look whole, but I'm actually missing about 45 per cent of my insides. It's quite a major amputation internally that I have had.

"For the rest of my life, I'll have this condition called Lower Anterior Resection Syndrome.

"All forms of cancers tend to have longer-term fallouts that a lot of people I don't think are aware of, but, I still approach every day with positivity because what else can I do?

"It's been difficult but I'm so grateful to be here."

First Dates is available to watch on Channel 4 and All4.

Inside First Dates star Merlin Griffiths' love life from meet-cute to health ordeal

Inside First Dates star Merlin Griffiths' love life from meet-cute to health ordeal

Inside First Dates star Merlin Griffiths' love life from meet-cute to health ordeal

Inside First Dates star Merlin Griffiths' love life from meet-cute to health ordeal

Inside First Dates star Merlin Griffiths' love life from meet-cute to health ordeal