Jonnie Irwin fans in tears over poignant tribute on Escape To The Country-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

There has been an outpouring of support for the TV presenter’s family after his death aged 50 (Picture: BBC)

Fans of Jonnie Irwin have been left in tears over a beautiful tribute to the late presenter on the BBC TV series Escape To The Country.

On Friday February 2, it was announced that the A Place In The Sun star had died at the age of 50 after previously being diagnosed with lung cancer.

A joyful picture of Irwin with his wife Jessica Holmes was posted on Instagram alongside a heartfelt statement, which read: ‘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.’

Numerous tributes from across the nation have been made in Irwin’s honour, including from fans, fellow celebrities and his former colleagues.

On Monday February 5, it was revealed that the BBC would be airing Irwin’s final episode of Escape To The Country, which was filmed in autumn 2022 before being broadcast for the first time a year later.

The episode saw Irwin meet retired couple Janet and Brian from Reading, who were in search of a dream property in Somerset.

When the episode was first shown last autumn, it was revealed that one million people tuned in to watch it.

Celebrating the achievement on Instagram at the time, Irwin wrote: ‘Well done to all of our team on @escape_country and thanks to you so much for watching, I must admit we had a lot of fun filming this episode.’

Escape To The Country fans expressed how emotional they felt by the BBC showing the episode again in Irwin’s honour.

TV presenter Nicki Chapman wrote on X: ‘In a change to the BBC schedule today, this afternoon’s transmission of @Escape_Country is the last programme Jonnie recorded with us & will include a tribute to him at the end ❤️.’

Irwin met couple Janet and Brian on the TV programme (Picture: BBC)

The episode of Escape To The Country ended with a tribute to him after his death (Picture: BBC)

In response, one fan called Beverley wrote: ‘Brings tears to my eyes just reading this Nicki, so pleased there is a tribute to him ❤️.’

‘Definitely watching this gonna miss Jonnie, must be so hard for everyone who worked with him xx,’ added a user going by the handle @MjpDocument.

Producer Keaton Stone said that the episode would ‘be a very difficult watch’, but it was a ‘lovely thing to do by the channel’.

The episode of Escape To The Country ended on February 5 with a tribute to Irwin, showing a compilation of some of his best moments on the programme.

A picture of him smiling while standing in a field then appeared on screen, alongside his name, year of birth and year of death.

In the statement that was released announcing Irwin’s death, the late presenter’s family requested for ‘privacy’ as they ‘navigate their profound loss’.

Irwin is survived by his wife and their three sons (Picture: Instagram/@jonnieirwintv)

‘Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated,’ it read.

‘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.

‘Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. 🕊️💔.’

In her own statement posted on Instagram, Irwin’s wife Holmes wrote: ‘Good night my favourite. Thank you for everything. I will always love you.

‘The hardest day has come, a day I prayed wouldn’t come. It’s with all the the saddness in the world that I confirm Jonnie has passed away earlier today.

‘His magical brain that continued to fight to the end has now gone to sleep. He has given me more than I could ever have wished for, 8 bonkers years of love and adventure and 3 amazing boys.’

She said that she would continue to make her late husband ‘proud’, ‘but only with your love still finding me and guiding me for the rest of my life, me and the boys still need you’.

‘Jonnie you really were the most handsome man I ever knew and I am so sorry for this cruel end. It really wasn’t fair and you didn’t deserve any of this,’ she shared.

‘You gave so much time to others and touched everyone you met, I have never experienced anything like the effect you had on people. I love you so much and forever proud of you xxx 💔.’

Escape To The Country is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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