Rhod Gilbert reveals double tragedy simply months after getting the all-clear from Stage 4 head and neck most cancers

Rhod Gilbert has revealed that two people close to him died of cancer just months after he received the all-clear.

The Welsh comedian, 56, was diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer in 2022 and battled the disease before getting the all clear in October last year. 

But speaking to The Mirror, Rhod revealed he was dealt a heartbreaking blow just months after his good news.

Rhod said that he found during the interval of a stand-up gig he was doing that his friend had passed away from terminal cancer. 

He also said that last week he attended the funeral for the dad of another friend of his, who had also died from cancer. 

Rhod Gilbert has revealed to The Mirror that two people close to him died of cancer just months after he received the all-clear

The Welsh comedian, 56, was diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer in 2022 and battled the disease before getting the all clear in October last year

‘This week I’ve been to a funeral for my friend’s dad, who died of cancer,’ he said. ‘In the interval while on stage in Halifax, I [also] found out that a friend of mine had died of cancer. 

‘I knew he had gone into end of life care, so it wasn’t a huge surprise, but it just happened in that moment where I just so happened to have come off stage during the interval, looked at my phone and read a text saying, “He’s gone”.’ 

Rhod received his first clear scan in October last year after undergoing treatment for stage four cancer.

He was diagnosed in July 2022, and was treated at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, where he had been a fundraising patron for a decade before the diagnosis.

He underwent surgery for metastatic cancer of the head and neck, followed by sessions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

Speaking in April about his condition, he said: ‘Still all clear. Still in the care of the wonderful Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff. I get checked every few weeks but still all clear.

‘I feel wonderful. I’ve got lots of issues that I may or may not have for the rest of my life, who knows. Who cares!

‘I’m here, I’m good and every night, I’m on stage pinching myself that I’m doing this. That I’m on stage performing just now two years after being diagnosed.’

The funnyman is performing throughout the UK in 2024 and 2025 on his Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit tour and he says his illness influenced some of the content of his show (pictured in 2018)

The funnyman is performing throughout the UK in 2024 and 2025 on his Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit tour and he says his illness influenced some of the content of his show.

Rhod explained: ‘Grapefruit, partly a nod to the tumour that was in my neck, and partly the thing of when life gives you lemons you make lemonade.

‘Well this is what to do when life starts throwing grapefruits at you which is even worse in my opinion but it’s a happy show, it’s an uplifting show.’

Rhod revealed he was battling cancer in 2022 in a statement issued across social media, just days after pausing his tour at the time.

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.’