Rhod Gilbert: stars support “greatest Welsh comedian” after cancer news
Comedians have voiced their support for Rhod Gilbert after he confirmed a stage 4 cancer diagnosis.
Gilbert announced he was being treated for cancer earlier this year, but only confirmed more recently the severity of his diagnosis.
The comedian first began experiencing symptoms in April, forcing him to cancel shows on his Book of John tour. “I had a terribly sore throat, tightness through my neck. I was having to cancel shows because I couldn’t breathe,” he said. “I was having all sorts of problems and we couldn’t get to the bottom of it.”
In May, his symptoms began to worsen while he was in Cuba fundraising for Velindre. “In May, I noticed lumps started popping up in places they shouldn’t be. It turns out I’ve got Stage 4 cancer,” he recalled.
Since discussing his diagnosis, many fellow comedians have voiced support for Gilbert on social media, notably promoting his new DVD Rhod Gilbert: Book Of John.
“My friend, the phenomenally funny Rhod Gilbert hasn’t been well and is unable to promote his DVD so I’m helping spread the word,” Michael McIntyre wrote on Twitter, sharing a link to pre-order the DVD.
My friend, the phenomenally funny Rhod Gilbert hasn’t been well and is unable to promote his DVD so I’m helping spread the word. The Book of John is hilarious and out now, click here to order…https://t.co/5sRBDrw4Jb#RhodGilbert @bluejeansmgmt pic.twitter.com/S5l0E93AnA
— Michael McIntyre (@McInTweet) December 12, 2022
Rob Brydon also shared a video message, calling Gilbert “the greatest Welsh comedian” and adding: “Hello, I’m Rob Brydon and I’m here to tell you about the new DVD from the greatest Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert, it’s called The Book Of John.”
— Rob Brydon (@RobBrydon) December 9, 2022
Jimmy Carr also promoted Gilbert’s DVD, calling the show “bloody funny” and poking fun at the concept of DVDs and suggesting fans download it.
“I’ve got a new DVD – not one I’m in one I’ve bought – it’s by my mate Rhod Gilbert and it’s bloody funny,” he wrote. Carr added: “(if you’ve got technology from 10 years ago knocking around the house get the DVD – if not download it like a normal person)”
I’ve got a new DVD – not one I’m in one I’ve bought – it’s by my mate Rhod Gilbert and it’s bloody funny. (if you’ve got technology from 10 years ago knocking around the house get the DVD – if not download it like a normal person) pic.twitter.com/QbgJ2Y6crF
— Jimmy Carr (@jimmycarr) December 9, 2022
Rhod Gilbert said he remains “optimistic” about his recovery, and that he is hoping to work his illness into a new standup show one day.
“The things people say when they find out you’ve got cancer… people panic. There’s a lot of humour in it,” he said. “Hopefully I’m going to jot it all down and one day bring it to the stage.”
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Ella Kemp
NME
