02 March 2024 , 17:09
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A Place In The Sun's Jasmine Harman has paid tribute to her late co-star Jonnie Irwin, who sadly passed away a month ago at the age of 50 after a brave battle with cancer.
Jasmine, who worked alongside Jonnie on the popular show, spoke out a month after his passing while attending A Place In The Sun Live. In a gushing tribute, she said: "It's been a month since we lost a very special person; someone I was lucky enough to call a friend.
"Time has this weird habit of keeping on going when it feels like it should stop. Today I'm at A Place in the Sun Live and it is hard as Jonnie is on my mind a lot.
Jasmine has broken her silence on Jonnie's sad death (Jasmine Harman/Instagram)
Jonnie passed away at the age of 50 last month (Instagram)"Over the years, we were always filming in different locations and so we most frequently got to spend time together at the A Place in the Sun Live events. This photo was taken here last year in Manchester.
"It feels strange and sad to be here without him. He was such an inspiration to so many people and he is missed so much. Thank you to all the people who have given messages of support and as always my thoughts and love are with Jonnie's family."
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Jonnie, who also presented BBC's Escape To The Country, announced in November 2022 that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020 and that it had spread to his brain.
In early February this year, a family spokesperson shared that Jonnie had "fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage" before he passed away at 50.
Jasmine, 48, posted on Instagram at the time and said she had "never known anyone as strong" as Irwin.
Jasmine looked back on their time together as co-hosts with fondness as she said: "To begin our TV careers together was a pleasure and a privilege I will be eternally grateful for. Almost twenty 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."
Talking about how happy he was as a family man, she said: "Never were you happier than in your role as husband and dad to the most awesome three boys you are a legend.
Jonnie and Jasmine remained close (Instagram)
Jonnie discovered he had cancer in November 2022 (David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)"We can, in your memory learn to cherish every hug, every conversation, every moment, for the priceless time we have. Enjoy every breath, every sunrise and sunset, never take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised."
She ended by expressing her admiration for how he dealt with his illness. "Jonnie, you've taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends," she said.
"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 family representative shared the sad news of Jonnie's death in a statement which read: "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."
The presenter first noticed something wrong while working on A Place In The Sun in Italy in August 2020. His vision blurred during a car ride - fast forward a week on return to the UK, he would learn that he only had six months left because of his lung cancer.
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In 2023, deciding to make the most out of each moment, Jonnie celebrated turning 50 earlier than planned with a huge party of 170 family members and friends.
"It was a great night. I chose a playlist with some great tunes from the 90s and 2000s and people came from all over the country and abroad," Jonnie told The Sun.
Jonnie is survived by his wife Jessica and their three sons - Rex, and twins Rafa and Cormac.
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.