Comedian Rhod Gilbert revealed he is battling cancer in a statement circulated on social media Thursday night, just days after he interrupted his current tour.
The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff cancer center that he is the patron of as he National Health Service for their incredible service.
Rhod, whose TV work includes a host role for Never Mind The Buzzcocks, hasn’t revealed what type of cancer he had, but said he’s in the “best hands possible.”
Difficult news: comedian Rhod Gilbert announced in a social media statement on Thursday evening that he has cancer
Addressing facebook followers, he wrote: ‘As the proud patron of Velindre Cancer Center, I’ve traveled the world, hosting chaotic quizzes and star-studded comedy nights. I have met and made friends with so many inspiring employees, patients and their families. It’s been a big part of my life for the past ten years.
“So while I never thought I’d be a patient here, I know better than anyone that I’m in the best hands possible.
“The NHS care I am receiving is incredible. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone… but who knows, maybe I’ll make it out the other side with a new stand-up show and a 40-minute rant about orange squash.
Thank you all for your support over the past few weeks and months (and years). I’ll disappear for a while and won’t comment again, at least not for now while I focus on my recovery.’
Sad: The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff cancer center he serves as a patron, while praising the National Health Service for their incredible service
After previously canceling shows due to throat problems, he paused his Book of John book tour last week.
On July 8, he wrote on Facebook: ‘As many of you will know, I have been experiencing pain in my neck and throat for the past few months. I have been under treatment and have continued to tour whenever possible.
‘I had sincerely hoped to let all the planned dates go ahead, but I fear that will not work. I have surgery next week and will hang up my boots for a while while I recover.’
He added: “I know how frustrating this is. We do not take these decisions lightly and we apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you all – along with all the wonderful venues and staff, for your patience and understanding.
“I’ve enjoyed each of the 200 or so Book of John shows we’ve done. I’m really upset that we haven’t been able to do the last 7 shows as planned, but rest assured we will do everything we can to finish what we started!’
Rhod was inundated with supportive messages from fans in the comments of his cancer post, as one wrote: ‘Rhod sends you arms full of speed and hope you make a steady recovery. For now soft hugs my friend’.
Another added: ‘Wishing you much love and strength for your forthcoming treatment. I hope you recover quickly and get a new show from the experience!! xxxx’.
Best wishes RHOD. I send love and hugs from Cornwall. I’m really looking forward to seeing you on stage again,” wrote a third.
Disappointment:
Star: The has taken part in a series of fundraising initiatives for the Velindre Cancer Center in Cardiff. In 2013, he took part in a trek and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro (pictured)
The comedian has taken part in a series of fundraising initiatives over the years for the Velindre Cancer Center in Cardiff.
In 2013, he took part in a trek in Kenya and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro.
Additionally, Rhod led a trek to Patagonia in 2015 and embarked on more treks in 2019 and 2022 in Peru, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the center.
Love: Rhod was inundated with supportive messages from fans in the comments of his cancer post
The comedian had announced last week that dates after July 9 in Swansea, Hereford, Yeovil and Truro would be postponed for his book tour.
At the time, he said, “As many of you will know, I have been experiencing neck and throat pain for the past few months. I have been under treatment and have continued to tour whenever possible.
‘I had sincerely hoped to let all the planned dates go ahead, but I fear that will not work. I have surgery next week and will hang up my boots for a while while I recover.’
In postponing, he said he was in the process of moving shows to early 2023.
Child: In early 2020, Rhod learned to be a caregiver as part of his Work Experience series, where he followed different people working in different jobs
Rhod had done about 200 Book of John shows and added: “I’m genuinely gutted that we haven’t been able to do the last seven shows as planned, but rest assured we will do everything we can to finish what we are doing.” have started. †
In early 2020, Rhod learned to be a caregiver as part of his Work Experience series where he followed different people working in different jobs.
He said the idea of filming an episode of a caregiver had been in his mind for a long time, as he wanted to highlight the important role caregivers play.
Shooting was halted by the pandemic and he told Wales Online when the series returned: “We were halfway through filming so we couldn’t finish the series so some episodes aren’t ready to go out yet.
“But we did finish the Caregiver episode and it was decided to release it ahead of schedule because we all felt the timing was right.”
As for his career, in 2020 he hosted a brand new series for Comedy Central – Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains, inviting special guests to join him on a trip down memory lane.
Big name: Career wise, in 2020 he hosted a brand new series for Comedy Central – Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains, inviting special guests to join him on a trip down memory lane
Funny: He regularly hosts Have I Got News For You? and hosted a series of BBC Two’s iconic music quiz Never Mind the Buzzcocks (top row photo second left on Would I Lie to You?)
He has hosted three series of BBC Two’s hugely popular show You’re Fired, interviewing outgoing candidates and taking a light-hearted look at events at The Apprentice.
He regularly presents Have I Got News For You? and host of a series of BBC Two’s iconic music quiz show Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and two series of Ask Rhod Gilbert – his own panel show for BBC One.
Rhod has been married to Welsh writer Sian Harries since 2013.
Popular: He has also hosted three series of BBC Two’s show You’re Fired, interviewing outgoing candidates and taking a light-hearted look at events at The Apprentice
Love life: Rhod has been married to Welsh writer Sian Harries since 2013 (pictured together in 2020)