03 February 2024 , 17:33
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Jonnie Irwin experienced the first symptoms of cancer while filming scenes for A Place in the Sun.
The late TV presenter, 50, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2020, but waited until 2022 to publicly share the devastating news with his fans - heartbreakingly explaining that he feared work would dry up once people knew about his health and was worried about the fact "bills still needed to be paid".
Jonnie's family announced his death on Friday night, telling the dad-of-three's Instagram followers: "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."
The late property expert, who shared sons Rex, five, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac with wife Jessica Holmes, was given six months to live in 2020 when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which spread to his brain, but defied the odds and lived for a further three years following his initial terminal diagnosis.
Jonnie Irwin worked on A Place in the Sun for 18 years (Channel 4 / FFTV)Jonnie recalled in 2022 - when announcing his sad news - how a change in his vision was the first symptom of his illness that he noticed. The Escape to the Country star continued to explain how he had been driving in Italy while filming A Place in the Sun when started to see "weird gold spots".
Jonnie Irwin will record video messages for wife and kids to watch after he dies
One of his colleagues, who was in the car with Jonnie, urged the presenter to go to hospital, where it was sadly revealed that the dad-of-three had nodules around his brain. Jonnie flew back to the U.K immediately and went straight to hospital. "Within a few hours I got told I had cancer. And I was like 'right'," Jonnie recalled.
He continued to tell HELLO! magazine: "Then a few hours later, my good friend Rahul was sat with me when they said it is terminal cancer and I had six months to live. Do you ever hear the phrase it knocked the wind out of you? Nothing had ever done that to me and that it did it. I was just battered."
Jonnie continued to remember how "shaken up" he was and how he feared having to break the news to his wife Jessica - describing telling his spouse was the "hardest thing" he ever had to do. "How do you tell a woman who only two month before has had twins? How do you tell them that you're not going to be there anymore?" Jonnie added.
Jonnie's death was announced on Instagram last night, with his loved ones captioning a picture of the late star and his wife Jessica as they shared the sad news. The emotional caption read: "In Loving Memory. 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."
*The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.