Entertainment
A Place In The Sun star Jonnie Irwin dies aged 50-Aisha Nozari and Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro
He revealed his cancer publicly in November 2022.
Jonnie Irwin has died at the age of 50, his family has confirmed (Picture: Channel 4)
TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has died at the age of 50 after previously being diagnosed with lung cancer.
The beloved star, who hosted shows including A Place In The Sun and Escape To The Country, is survived by his wife Jessica Holmes, and their three young sons: Rex, four, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
Confirming the heartbreaking news of Irwin’s death, a post was shared on his Instagram page.
Alongside an old holiday photo of Irwin and his wife, Jess wrote: ‘In Loving Memory 🌟
‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit.
‘At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated.’
The devastating tribute continued: ‘As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts. Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on.’
It concluded: ‘Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 🕊️💔’
Tributes quickly filled the comments section, with fans and fellow presenters offering their condolences.
Co-star Jasmine Harman wrote: ‘My heart is broken 💔’
Presenter Nicki Chapman commented: ‘Heart broken. Sending love to Jess & the family 💔’
‘Sending so much love to all of Jonnie’s friends & family 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼’, commented Ellie Phillips.
Irwin is survived by wife Jess and their sons Rex, four, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac (Picture: Instagram)
Harman proceeded to share her own statement, writing a lengthy tribute to Irwin on her page where she referred to him as ‘my partner in crime’.
In part, she wrote: ‘Jonnie, you’ve taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends. I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness. I’ve never known anyone as strong as you. You have done yourself, your loved ones and all of us proud.’
She concluded: ‘The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you. My partner in crime, my OG co-presenter – Jonnie, I will miss you.’
Irwin last posted on social media himself just six days ago, sharing an update with his devout followers on his home renovation project.
The property expert was originally diagnosed with cancer in 2020 after noticing symptoms that included blurred vision while driving when he was on location filming A Place In The Sun.
Irwin previously said of his wife: ‘Jess is soft, so they’ll have a softer upbringing than if I was around, probably’ (Picture: Instagram)
Following his diagnosis, he underwent chemotherapy and continued to work for as long as possible.
Irwin kept his diagnosis private for two years, but decided to speak out about it in November 2022, explaining that he had been given ‘months to live’.
He said at the time: ‘I don’t know how long I have left, but I try to stay positive and my attitude is that I’m living with cancer, not dying from it.’
Irwin kept his diagnosis private for two years, but decided to speak out about it in November 2022, explaining that he had been given ‘months to live’ (Picture: OneChat)
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He added to Hello! Magazine: ‘But now I want to make plans. I want to make memories and capture these moments with my family because the reality is, my boys are going to grow up not knowing their dad and that breaks my heart.’
Irwin continued to share updates with the magazine throughout his cancer treatment and, in June last year, shared a slew of candid details about the toll his illness had taken on his family life.
He revealed that he hadn’t told his three sons about his diagnosis, saying: ‘I keep being asked, “Are you going to tell them?” but tell them what?’
Irwin added: ‘It would be horrible news that they’d have to get their heads around. And it would confuse the hell out of Rex – he’s got a shocking enough day coming. Let’s bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible.’
Irwin kept fans in the loop as he underwent treatment (Picture: Instagram)
The doting dad also spoke about how he was preparing for Father’s Day on June 18, which tragically ended up being the last one he’d spend with his family.
‘I’ve started to tell Rex [his oldest son] in private conversations, “You can do anything”.’
Irwin poignantly noted: ‘Jess is soft, so they’ll have a softer upbringing than if I was around, probably.’
Irwin became a well-loved figure on TV screens (Picture: Instagram)
He started hosting A Place In The Sun in 2004 with Jasmine Harman (Picture: Channel 4)
Irwin grew up in Leicestershire and, before starting his television career, worked for business transfer specialists.
In 2004, he was selected from hundreds of applicants to present A Place In The Sun: Home or Away? on Channel 4, along with Jasmine Harman.
The pair, who became close friends, continued to host the series for 18 years together and saw various other co-stars, including Laura Hamilton and Dani Menzies, join the team.
Since 2010, Irwin presented the property programme Escape To The Country.
Irwin’s young children remained unaware of his illness (Picture: Instagram)
His other projects included the reality series To Buy Or Not To Buy, which ran from 2003 to 2010, and his own show Dream Lives for Sale, which saw Irwin help people leave behind their lives in the UK and buy a business.
Irwin married his wife Jessica in October 2016 at a ceremony in Northumberland.
He shared an Instagram post at the time, describing it as ‘the very happiest weekend of my life.’
The couple celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in October 2022.
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.
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