TRIBUTES have flooded in for A Place in the Sun star Jonnie Irwin after he passed away aged 50.
The dad-of-three’s family announced his death on Friday – marking an end to his four-year fight against lung cancer.
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The 50-year-old was given six-months to live after his diagnosis in August 2020 but determinedly defied the odds to carry on working.
His tragic death was revealed on Friday by an Instagram post praising a “truly remarkable soul”.
It added: “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.
“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.”
Tributes from fellow stars, friends and family have now flooded in.
Fellow Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman posted a touching photo of the pair on Instagram – saying “the world is a little darker today.
She added: “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.”
Meanwhile ITV star Nicki Chapman wrote: “Heart broken. Sending love to Jess and the family.
“And escape from the country’s Sonali Shah: I feel so lucky to have known Jonnie.”
A spokesperson for A Place in the Sun added: “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.”
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The Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country star had previously told The Sun of his sorrow at not being able to see his children grow up.
He said last March: “I think they’re not going to remember me, they’re really not.
“They’re too young and if I die this year there’s no chance they will have memories. And someone else is going to bring them up.
“I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
Jonnie revealed how he was left heartbroken after being ditched as a presenter for A Place in the Sun after 18 years.
The firm behind the show Freeform Productions claimed it couldn’t cover Jonnie’s travel because of his cancer.
It led him to keep his cancer secret for two years, fearful he would lose more work.
Wife Jess, 41, was left devastated by her husband’s illness but told of his will to live for her and the boys
She previously said: “He’s stubborn and determined and he’s a scrapper.
“If I ever think about the reality it absolutely breaks my heart, for the boys and for Jonnie.
“It’s just very unfair and I’m angry at how much it’s ruined the last couple of years, how much it’s taken away from us enjoying having a new family.
Jonathan James Irwin was born in November 1973 and grew up on a small farm in the village of Bitteswell, Leicestershire.
He attended Lutterworth Grammar School and went on to get a degree in estate management at Birmingham City University.
LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS
Experts at Cancer Research UK warn there are nine common symptoms of the disease.
- Having a cough most of the time
- Having a change in a cough you have had for a long time – it may sound different or be painful when you cough
- Getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
- Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
- Having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
- Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better
- Losing your appetite
- Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
- Losing weight
Jonnie worked for Christie & Co as a business transfer specialist, then joined commercial real estate firm Colliers
A keen sportsman, he played rugby for local union clubs Lutterworth RFC Rugby Lions RFC before he broke his back, taking six months to recover.
In 2004 he and co-star Jasmine Harman fought off hundreds of applicants to land presenting roles on A Place in the Sun.
He also presented BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.
Jonnie met wife Jess through mutual friends in summer 2015 and both said they knew they had met ‘The One’.
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