A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin dies aged 50

Television presenter was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020

Jonnie Irwin, the television presenter of shows including A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country has died aged 50, his family have disclosed. 
Irwin, a father of three, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020. 
The presenter had been open about his illness since his diagnosis, urging others to “make the most of every day”.
In a statement on Instagram, featuring a photograph of him and his wife Jessica, his family wrote:  “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 statement added: “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.”
Jasmine Harman, Irwin’s former co-presenter, said: “My heart is broken.”
In an interview with the Sun last March  Irwin said he had become too sick to play football with his young son as the effort “broke him”.
He is survived by his sons Rex, four, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
Irwin, who used to be a keen rugby player, said “I tried to play football with Rex the other day and was in goal and I couldn’t get near the ball.
“It was so frustrating. I’m very sporty and suddenly it’s just like…it was as if it was the first time I’d attempted football. I felt like a granddad. And that broke me a bit.”
In 2004, Irwin was selected from hundreds of applicants along with co-presenter Harman to present Channel 4’s show A Place in the Sun – Home or Away.
Irwin also presented the BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.
In an interview with Hello! magazine shortly after his diagnosis, Irwin said: “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.
“Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family.”