Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@jonnieirwintv
Former A Place In The Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin has died at the age of 50.
This evening (2 February), a statement was posted on his Instagram account confirming the tragic news, featuring an image of Jonnie and his wife Jess Holmes on a motorbike.
“In Loving Memory… It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing,” the caption reads.
“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 Channel 4 star received a terminal cancer diagnosis four years ago, and leaves behind wife Jess and their children, three-year-old Rex and twins Rafa and Cormac, two.
At the time of his diagnosis, Jonnie said: “I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was on her own pretty much.
“That was devastating. All I could do was apologise to her. I felt so responsible.”
After being diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2020, he kept the diagnosis from the public until November 2022.
When Jonnie revealed the news, he explained that the cancer had spread to his brain and that he didn’t know how long he had left.
Jonnie also shared his experiences with his followers online, which included his progress while undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
It has been suggested that putting highly concentrated oxygen into the body can increase the likelihood of chemotherapy successfully killing cancer cells, while actively healing him.
The presenter had also previously spoke about leaving his family a ‘digital legacy’ after he passed away, saying: “It’s amazing to think I too could speak to my wife and children after I pass away,
“My diagnosis has taken a lot from me but it has given me the ability to prepare.
“The only way to make sure your digital legacy is as you like it, is to take control now. I’m going to take every opportunity to do that for the people I love.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.