Rhod Gilbert has now been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (Picture: Rex Features)
Rhod Gilbert has been showered with support from the comedy community after announcing his cancer diagnosis, with his peers taking on the job of promoting his new DVD for him.
The Welsh comedian, 54, shared an update on his health ordeal last week, and revealed that he now has stage 4 cancer.
However, he assured fans that he’s remaining optimistic about the future and said he was ‘feeling good’ and as though he’s ‘recovering day-by-day’.
As Gilbert focuses on his health, several comedians have made it their duty to highlight the fact he has released a new stand-up special, Rhod Gilbert: The Book of John.
8 Out Of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr was among those promoting the DVD on Twitter, and wrote: ‘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).’
Rob Brydon retweeted a video of himself promoting the release three times, and is seen holding up a copy of the DVD while saying: ‘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.’
Taking a deep breath, he added: ‘The Guardian says it’s uproariously funny, and I agree. Go out and buy the perfect Christmas gift. Rhod Gilbert.’
It then emerges that Rob was feigning awkwardness as he closed the video holding up a ‘help’ sign, as though he had been forced to say his lines.
Jason Manford also rallied around Gilbert and said: ‘Grab #RhodGilbert’s new stand up show now! Ready for download, you could be watching it and laughing in five minutes.’
Comedian Angela Barnes told her followers: ‘#RhodGilbert has long been one of my favourite comedians – and is definitely one of my favourite people. His latest show, The Book of John, is so bloody funny and is available now on DVD and digital download.’
Gilbert is confident he’s in the ‘best possible hands’ with care from the NHS (Picture: Rhod Gilbert/Facebook)
Fans were moved by the show of unity for Gilbert, with one commenting: ‘All of the british comedians doing rhod gilbert’s dvd promotion circuit for him is so so lush.’
Another cried: ‘Other comedians promoting rhod gilbert’s dvd while he’s not well enough to do it himself is making me genuinely emotional?????’
Applauding the comics, one other supporter said: ‘So @jimmycarr travelling about promoting Rhod Gilbert’s new DVD and supporting his fellow comedian, is a sign of how we should all be supporting our fellow creatives.’
Gilbert shared his health update in an interview with BBC Wales last week and recalled the symptoms he suffered before his diagnosis, which forced him to cancel shows.
‘In May, I noticed lumps started popping up in places they shouldn’t be. It turns out I’ve got stage 4 cancer,’ he revealed.
‘I also caught Covid on that walk as well. I came home with cancer and Covid from a Velindre fundraising trek… the irony of that! I went as a Velindre patron and came home as a patient.’
The comic has received treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and is yet to find out if it worked but is confident he’s ‘in the best possible hands’ with the NHS.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
MORE : Comedian Rhod Gilbert confirms cancer is stage 4 while sharing ‘optimism’ over recovery
The comedian has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.
