Rhod Gilbert confirms he is being treated for cancer

‘I am in the best possible hands’: Rhod Gilbert, 53, confirms he is being treated for cancer as he praises the National Health Service for their ‘incredible service’

• The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff-based cancer centre he serves as patron of – Velindre Cancer Centre
• Rhod didn’t reveal the type of cancer he had been diagnosed with, but said he is in the ‘best possible hands’ 
• He said: ‘So while I never imagined that I would be a patient here, I know better than anyone that I am in the best possible hands’ 
• The has taken part in a series of initiatives to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff in the past

Comedian Rhod Gilbert announced he has cancer in a statement issued across social media on Thursday evening. 

The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff-based cancer centre he serves as patron of while praising the National Health Service for their incredible service. 

Rhod didn’t reveal the type of cancer he had been diagnosed with, but said he is in the ‘best possible hands’. 

Tough news: Comedian Rhod Gilbert announced he has cancer in a statement issued across social media on Thursday evening

Addressing Facebook followers, he wrote:  ‘As a proud patron of Velindre Cancer Centre, I’ve trekked the world, hosted chaotic quizzes and star-studded comedy nights. I’ve met and made friends with so many inspirational staff, patients and their families. It has been a huge part of my life for the last ten years.

‘So while I never imagined that I would be a patient here, I know better than anyone that I am in the best possible hands. 

‘The NHS care I’m receiving is incredible. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone…but who knows, maybe I’ll come out the other end with a new stand-up show and a 40 minute rant about orange squash. 

‘Thank you everyone for your support over the last few weeks and months (and years). I’ll be disappearing for a while and won’t be commenting further, at least not for now, whilst I focus on my recovery.’ 

Sad: The Welsh star, 53, revealed he is being treated by the same Cardiff-based cancer centre he serves as patron while praising the National Health Service for their incredible service (pictured at the The Royal Variety show in 2018)

After previously cancelling shows due to issues with his throat, he paused his Book of John book tour last week. 

Rhod was flooded with supportive messages from fans in the comments of his cancer announcement post as one wrote: ‘Rhod sending you armfuls of get well wishes and hope you make a steady recovery. For now gentle hugs my friend’.

Another added: ‘Wishing you lots of love and strength for your treatment ahead. Hope you make a speedy recovery and get a new stage show out of the experience!! xxx’.

‘Wishing you a speedy recovery RHOD. Sending love and hugs from Cornwall. Very much looking forward to seeing you back up on the stage,’ a third wrote. 

Star: The has taken part in a series of initiatives to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. In 2013 he took part in a trek and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro (pictured)

The has taken part in a series of initiatives to raise funds for the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff over the years.

In 2013 he took part in a trek in Kenya and his journey was documented in the TV show Rhod v Kilimanjaro.

In addition, in 2015 Rhod lead a trek to Patagonia and embarked on more treks in 2019 and 2022 in Peru, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for the centre.

Love: Rhod was flooded with supportive messages from fans in the comments of his post about the cancer

The comedian had announced last week that dates after 9 July in Swansea, Hereford, Yeovil, and Truro for his book tour would be postponed.

At the time, he said: ‘As many of you will know, I’ve been struggling with pain in my neck and throat over the past few months. I’ve been receiving treatment, and have continued to tour where possible.

‘I had sincerely hoped to go ahead with all dates as scheduled, but I’m afraid that is not going to be possible. I am due to have surgery next week and will be hanging up my boots for a while whilst I recuperate.’

In postponing, he said he was working to reschedule shows for early 2023.

Rhod had done about 200 Book of John shows, and added: ‘I am genuinely gutted that we didn’t get to do the last seven shows as planned, but, rest assured, we will do everything we can to finish what we started.’ 

In early 2020 Rhod learned to be a carer as part of his series Work Experience where he followed different people working in a variety of jobs.

He said the idea to film a care worker episode had long been in his mind as he wanted to highlight the important role carers play. 

Kind: In early 2020 Rhod learned to be a carer as part of his series Work Experience where he followed different people working in a variety of jobs

The filming was halted by the pandemic and he told Wales Online when the series returned:  ‘We were halfway through filming so we didn’t get to finish the series, so some of the episodes are not ready to go out.

‘But we did finish the carer episode and it was decided to put it out earlier than planned because we all felt that the timing was right.’

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.

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 (pictured top row 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 in The Apprentice. 

He regularly hosts Have I Got News For You? and hosted a series of BBC Two’s iconic music quiz Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and two series of Ask Rhod Gilbert – his own panel show for BBC One.

Rhod has been married to Welsh write 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 in The Apprentice

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