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

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”.

Key Points

• Jonnie Irwin, A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country presenter, dies aged 50
• Presenter’s heartbreaking regret after receiving terminal cancer diagnosis
• My heart is broken: Wife Jessica’s tribute to Jonnie
• ‘May the sun always shine on you’: Co-presenter pays tribute

[3 February 2024 02:23 · Alex Ross]

Jonnie’s life

Jonnie joined A Place in the Sun in 2004 and presented alongside Jasmine Harman, filming over 200 episodes together.

Here we look back at his life and career:

[2 February 2024 23:57 · Alex Ross]

How his death was announced

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

[2 February 2024 22:25 · Alex Ross]

‘We miss him terribly'

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

“We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts today are with Jess and the boys and the rest of Jonnie’s family.”

Jonnie Irwin (Channel 4)

[2 February 2024 20:54 · Alex Ross]

'One of the brightest most brilliant TV talents’

Astrologer and media personality Russell Grant said: “I’m so deeply deeply upset that Jonnie Irwin has left us.

“One of the brightest most brilliant TV talents he made the programmes he presented with his light, bright, witty warmth a joy to watch. May his wife, sons and family be comforted on this sad day.”

[2 February 2024 20:52 · Alex Ross]

‘An extraordinary man and wonderful presenter'

Rob Unsworth, head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, said: “Jonnie Irwin was an extraordinary man and wonderful presenter.

“He brought such warmth and fun to Escape to the Country, where he was a firm favourite with not just viewers, but the production team too.

“More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for Morning Live about his illness, tackling taboos around end of life care, and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did. His kindness will be hugely missed by everyone he worked with, and we are sending all of our thoughts to his family and friends at this sad time.”

[2 February 2024 20:10 · Tom Murray]

Gogglebox’s Stephen Lustig-webb calls Irwin a ‘thoroughly decent person’

Former Gogglebox star Stephen Lustig-Webb wrote: “Rest in peace, always came across as a thoroughly decent person! So sad, love n hugs to him family.”

Lustig-Webb’s mother Pat Webb died after a “long illness” earlier this week.

[2 February 2024 20:07 · Tom Murray]

Homes Under the Hammer’s Lucy Alexander pays tribute

Commenting on the announcement of Irwin’s death, Homes Under the Hammer presenter Alexander wrote: “A true legend.”

[2 February 2024 20:04 · Tom Murray]

Nicki Chapman: ‘Heartbroken'

Veteran radio and TV host Nicki Chapman has commented: “Heartbroken. Sending love to Jess & the family.”

[2 February 2024 20:00 · Tom Murray]

Danni Menzies shares inspirational quote

Another A Place in the Sun star, Danni Menzies, shared a quote to her Instagram Stories, reading: “When we die, I want to believe that we are scattered throughout all the people that have ever loved us. That we will continue to exist in them. In their bloodstream. For generations. Gor lifetimes.” Writing alongside this, she added: “You will Jonnie xxx.”

[2 February 2024 19:58 · Tom Murray]

A Place in the Sun’s Scarlette Douglas pays tribute

Scarlette Douglas, who presented A Place in the Sun between 2015 and 2022, shared a picture of Irwin on her Instagram, writing: “May the sun always shine on you Jonnie. RIP.”