First Dates star Merlin Griffiths shares stoma scars on TV

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has revealed his stoma scars on live TV.

Appearing on Lorraine as part of a campaign around bowel cancer, Griffiths discussed his 2021 diagnosis with a tumour in his bowel and the effects treatment have had on his body.

The bartender said: "Going through it all myself, you get very comfortable talking about this stuff [checking your poo] because you have to and you’re dealing with medical professionals and treating your diagnosis,’ he said.

Read more: First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has stoma removed in surgery

"But I think there is a bigger point and people have to be comfortable talking about this before this happens."

He also said he went through chemotherapy, an intravenous infusion, chemoradiotherapy, a low anterior resection which removed his rectum and colon and a stoma fitted.

Griffiths then said the stoma had been reversed which signified that he was cancer free.

Read more: What is a stoma bag? (Yahoo Life, 4 min read)

Griffiths then asked Lorraine if he could lift up his shirt and he revealed his scars from the operation and said: "That’s what you’re left with afterward."

A stoma is a small piece of flesh sewn on top of the body that acts as an opening and can be connected to the digestive and urinary systems to allow fluids to be directed out of the body.

Earlier this year, Griffiths confirmed that he was in the final stages of treatment, saying on Instagram: "Checked in (with the bear of course), and ready to go. 👍 Here's to the final phase of treatment and recovery."

Griffiths also noted that some of his earliest symptoms of the cancer were debilitating tiredness and a change in bowel movements.

Other symptoms include blood in your poo, stomach pain, bloating and losing weight without trying. It is recommended by the NHS that you see a GP if you have these symptoms for three weeks or more.

Watch below: Merlin Griffiths and Matt Dawson on raising awareness of bowel cancer