Rhod Gilbert showered with support as he announces huge career news following cancer diagnosis
Rhod Gilbert has announced a new tour
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Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert is preparing to return to the stand-up circuit with a new tour after being diagnosed with cancer.
Titled Rhod Gilbert & The Giant Grapefruit, the comedian has announced over 100 dates that will occupy his work diary from January 2024 all the way to November 2025.
Gilbert has taken part in a handful of shows in the past few months as his recovery continues, including a brief stint in Edinburgh this summer.
Announcing his new tour, Gilbert said: "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.
"When life gives you lemons, you have to squeeze them 'til the comedy juice flows, so prepare for some dark but funny s**t."
The news sparked hundreds of fans to share their excitement online, including several famous faces from the comedy world.
Rhod Gilbert was diagnosed with cancer last July
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Jack Whitehall - who recently welcomed his first child with partner Roxy Horner - said on Twitter: "I had a great chat with Rhod in Edinburgh about this show.
"I think it’s going to be pretty special. He’s such a brilliant stand up and it’s so great to see him back on tour."
Fellow stand-up star Angela Barnes added on the social media site: "Book this as soon as you can.
"I’ve been working a fair bit with Rhod recently and not only is he one of my favourite people, he’s on FIRE.
"He’s really been through it this past year and a bit, but he’s come out of it just as f******g funny as ever #rhodgilbert."
"Bless you, Rhod. Good luck with the tour. X," The One Show's Matt Allwright added while comedian Mark Watson commented: "One of the absolute best.
"Thank God for this. I mean, I suppose God also *gave* him the cancer but we don't need to delve into the theological puzzle."
And fans echoed the pros' sentiment, with one tweeting: "It's fantastic to see Rhod Gilbert back on tour and back on TV also after his awful diagnosis which came in rather bizarre circumstances when working for a charity that covers the same form of cancer.
"Have always loved his sense of humour and positivity," they added. (sic)
Gilbert has spoken out about the tour, telling Sky News: "It's going to be pretty dark, but from what I've done so far - I've done a few little works in progress in Edinburgh and things - I'm really happy with the way it's coming along.
"While it's the darkest stuff I've ever done, clearly, after what I've been through, I think for me it's up there with the funniest.
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"It's certainly making me laugh. And it seems so far to be working."
Addressing how he'll address his illness on stage, he said: "That's a real challenge and really exciting.
"It has the potential to move people more, it has as a potential to have a bigger impact on people, I think, than toothbrushes, duvets and stuff."
Tickets for the tour went on general sale on Friday, September 29.
Gilbert has become a familiar face thanks to stints on a number of the UK's biggest comedy shows, including QI, Would I Lie To You, Taskmaster, 8 Out of 10 Cats and many others.