Rhod Gilbert says ‘it’s lovely to be alive’ as he returns to the stage for first time since cancer treatment

Comedian Rhod Gilbert has said “it’s lovely to be alive” as he returned to the stage following treatment for head and neck cancer.

The 54-year-old Welshman announced last July that he had stage four cancer and was being treated at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, where he had been a fundraising patron before the diagnosis.

In February, the comic said he was “coming back” to his former self and described his treatment as “faultless”.

Now several months on, Gilbert shared his delight about performing again and declared that he’s “feeling good” following his cancer treatment.

Taking to social media after his gig at Swansea Arena on Friday, he said: “It is wonderful being back doing stand-up again for the first time in a year. I’m feeling good.

“Lovely to be here, lovely to be back in Swansea, lovely to be alive, lovely to be back on tour.”

After sharing the post, Swansea Arena responded in a Tweet: “We’re all so chuffed you’re back to doing what you do best.”

He was forced to postpone his January tour shows, The Book of John, to the summer after discovering he required additional surgery for gallstones and recurring gallbladder infections.

Earlier this year, Gilbert admitted he was frustrated about receiving his cancer diagnosis after fundraising for the condition for years.

Appearing in a pre-recorded video message for Channel 4’s The National Comedy Awards, which was in aid of Stand Up To Cancer, he explained how the Velindre Cancer Centre has been a “big part” of his life since he joined them as a patron 10 years ago.

During his time in the role, he held comedy nights, hosted quizzes and took part in five fundraising treks across the world to help raise money for the centre.

He jokingly said: “So imagine my surprise when I was diagnosed with cancer which pissed me off no end because I thought I’d have lifelong immunity. Apparently not.

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

He previously revealed that he was in Cuba on a fundraising trek for the cancer centre when the first lump appeared in his neck but that he had been “struggling” for a while before that with different pains.

In February, the comedian described his treatment as “faultless” and said he is “coming back” to his former self as his facial hair is regrowing, his voice is back to normal and he is regaining weight.

He has been a regular guest on shows such as Would I Lie To You?, QI and Mock The Week over the years, and also hosted Never Mind The Buzzcocks from 2014-15.