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Jonnie Irwin latest: Escape to the Country star’s family lead tributes to ‘remarkable soul’

Irwin had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020

Roisin O'Connor,Tom Murray
Saturday 03 February 2024 17:31 GMT
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Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun presenter, dies aged 50

A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50, his family announced on Friday (2 February).

The former TV host had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020. After initially keeping his illness private, Irwin revealed his condition in November 2022 after being told the cancer had spread from his lungs to his brain.

The news of his death was shared on the presenter’s Instagram account alongside a statement.

“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,” the post read alongside a photo of Irwin and his wife Jessica Holmes.

Tributes have quickly poured in for Irwin, with Jasmine Harman – his Place in the Sun co-presenter of more than 200 episodes – saying her “heart is broken”.

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Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country presenter, dies aged 50

TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has died of cancer, aged 50.

Irwin was best known as the presenter of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun, in which he helped British property hunters find homes abroad.

The news of his death was announced on Friday (2 February) on the presenter’s Instagram account.

“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,” the post read alongside a photo of Irwin and his wife Jessica Holmes.

Full story:

Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun presenter, dies aged 50

Broadcaster and father of three, who helped British property hunters find their dream homes, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020

Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 08:38
1706981486

Jonnie Irwin’s wife Jessica says ‘me and the boys still need you’ in emotional tribute

Jonnie Irwin’s wife Jessica has said “me and the boys still need you” in an emotional tribute following the death of the TV presenter at the age of 50.

The TV star, who presented A Place In The Sun and BBC’s Escape To The Country, announced in November 2022 that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020 and that it had since spread to his brain.

His co-stars Laura Hamilton and Jasmine Harman were also among those to remember Irwin as “without doubt one of the best”.

Irwin’s wife Jessica, who he shares three sons with - Rex, and twins Rafa and Cormac - confirmed the news with a heartfelt Instagram post which featured a photo of the late presenter laughing with a small cake lit in front of him.

“Good night my favourite. Thank you for everything. I will always love you,” she wrote.

“The hardest day has come, a day I prayed wouldn’t come.”

She said his “magical brain” continued to fight until the end and that he had given her more than she could have “ever have wished for” including “8 bonkers years of love and adventure and 3 amazing boys”.

“I will continue to make you 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,” she added.

“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.

“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”

Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 17:31
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Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun presenter, dies aged 50

Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun presenter, dies aged 50
Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 17:01
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Jonnie Irwin’s former co-star Jasmine Harman pays tribute

In an Instagram post on Friday, Irwin’s former A Place in the Sun co-star Jasmine Harman, 48, said she had “never known anyone as strong” as the fellow TV presenter.

Reflecting on their time as co-hosts, she said: “To begin our TV careers together was a pleasure and a privilege I will be eternally grateful for.

“Almost 20 years ago, as two nervous new presenters (me perhaps more nervous than you!) little did we know about the adventure we were about to embark on, and the friends we would become.”

Speaking on Irwin‘s other role, as a father, she said: “Never were you happier than in your role as husband and dad to the most awesome three boys - you are a legend.”

“We can, in your memory learn to cherish every hug, every conversation, every moment, for the priceless time we have,” she added.

“Enjoy every breath, every sunrise and sunset, never take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised.

“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. 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.”

A spokesman for the family announced the news and said: “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.”

Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 16:38
1706976086

Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun presenter, dies aged 50

TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has died of cancer, aged 50.

Irwin was best known as the presenter of Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun, in which he helped British property hunters find homes abroad.

The news of his death was announced on Friday (2 February) on the presenter’s Instagram account.

“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,” the post read alongside a photo of Irwin and his wife Jessica Holmes.

Full story:

Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun presenter, dies aged 50

Broadcaster and father of three, who helped British property hunters find their dream homes, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020

Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 16:01
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Jonnie Irwin shared heartbreaking regret after terminal cancer diagnosis

‘A Place in the Sun’ presenter died aged 50 this week, almost four years after first being diagnosed with terminal cancer

Jonnie Irwin shared heartbreaking regret after terminal cancer diagnosis

‘A Place in the Sun’ presenter died aged 50 this week, almost four years after first being diagnosed with terminal cancer

Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 15:31
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Jonnie Irwin details palliative hospice care after terminal cancer diagnosis

Jonnie Irwin details palliative hospice care after terminal cancer diagnosis
Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 14:45
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A Place in the Sun pays tribute

A Place In The Sun has paid tribute to former presenter Jonnie Irwin following his death aged 50.

An Instagram statement said: “We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much-loved part of the A Place In The Sun family for more than 18 years - he brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show.

“We will miss him terribly.

“Our thoughts are with Jess and the boys, and the rest of the family.”

Irwin leaves behind his wife Jessica and three boys Rex, Rafa and Cormac.

Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 14:01
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Nicki Chapman ‘heartbroken’ after news of Jonnie Irwin’s death

TV presenter Nicki Chapman said she is “heartbroken” following the death of fellow Escape To The Country star Jonnie Irwin.

On Instagram, she said: “Heartbroken. Sending love to Jess & the family.”

Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 13:31
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Jonnie Irwin regretted not getting critical illness cover after cancer

Jonnie Irwin regrets not getting critical illness cover after cancer
Roisin O'Connor3 February 2024 12:31

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