Rhod Gilbert returns to stand-up after cancer battle: “It’s wonderful to be alive”

Rhod Gilbert has opened up about returning to stand-up comedy following a stage four cancer diagnosis.

In 2022, the Welsh comedian was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Last October, following intense treatment, he received the all-clear.

The 54-year-old is now halfway through the tour of his show, Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit, which has more than 100 performances.

In an interview on The One Show on April 29, Gilbert shared that he is still receiving care, but is “pinching himself” about returning to the stage.

“I get checked every few weeks but still all clear,” he explained. “I feel wonderful. I’ve got a lot of issues that I may or may not have for the rest of my life, who knows. Who cares!”

The comedian also described his latest show as “happy” and “uplifting” despite it being “partly a nod” to his condition, and the tumour found in his neck.

When Gilbert announced the show in 2023, he said (via The Independent): “After the year I’ve had, it’s wonderful to be alive and going back on the road. I can’t wait to get back on stage and I’m ready to get way too personal about life’s recent ups and downs.”

He continued: “When life gives you lemons, you have to squeeze them ‘til the comedy juice flows, so prepare for some dark but funny shit”.

In February last year, Gilbert opened up about his experience with cancer while appearing in a segment for Stand Up To Cancer at the National Comedy Awards.

The comedian spoke about his previous fundraising efforts, saying: “I’ve led five fundraising treks all over the world, I do stand-up comedy nights to raise money, I hosted quizzes.”

“[Cancer fundraising has] been a big part of my life for the last 10 years, so imagine my surprise when I was diagnosed with cancer, which pissed me off no end, because I thought I’d have life-long immunity! Apparently not,” he added.

He continued: “Apparently you’re just as likely to get cancer even if you spend your time fundraising for a cancer hospital. Anyway, I did get it, and it turns out it can come for anybody.”

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