The 53-year-old Welsh star shared the news on Facebook a week after the final shows of his current tour were postponed. Gilbert, who has appeared in comedy TV series including Mock The Week, 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Taskmaster and presented Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Rhod Gilbert’s Growing Pains and his own BBC Radio Wales show, said that is being treated at the Velindre Cancer Centre. in Cardiff and will take time to focus on his recovery. “As a proud patron of Velindre Cancer Centre, I’ve trekked around the world, hosted chaotic quizzes and star-studded comedy nights,” he said. “I have met and befriended so many inspiring staff, patients and their families. It has been a huge part of my life for the past ten years. “So while I never imagined I’d be a patient here, I know better than anyone that I’m in the best possible hands. The NHS care I receive is incredible. “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone… but who knows, maybe I’ll come out the other side with a new stand-up show and a 40-minute rant about orange squash.” Gilbert added: “Thank you all for your support over the past weeks and months (and years). I’m going to disappear for a while and not comment further, at least not for now, while I focus on my recovery.” Image: Photo: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock The comedian did not say what type of cancer he is being treated for. Before a gig at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on 9 July, he announced that it would be the last of his Book Of John tour and that he was postponing further gigs after suffering from neck and throat pain for several months. In that Facebook post, she wrote: “As many of you will know I have been struggling with neck and throat pain for the past few months. I have received treatment and continued to tour wherever possible. “I was sincerely hoping to go ahead with all the dates as planned, but I’m afraid that won’t be possible. I have to have surgery next week and will be hanging up my boots for a while while I recover.” Gilbert apologized and said work was continuing to reschedule the remaining shows for early 2023. He added: “I know how disappointing this is. We don’t take these decisions lightly and are very sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you all – along with all the wonderful venues and staff, for your patience and understanding.” Velindre Cancer Center shared the comedian’s message and said: “For over 10 years, patron Rhod Gilbert has provided outstanding support to Velindre Cancer Charity and has always been a champion of the passionate efforts of Velindre Cancer Center staff, donors and fundraisers. Image: Photo: Rhod Gilbert/Facebook “Rhod has become a special member of our Velindre family and we are sure you will join us in sending him our best wishes during this time.” A post about Gilbert’s fundraising efforts on the charity’s fundraising page said he had helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the organization over the years. The star married his long-term partner, writer and comedian Sian Harries, in 2013.
