Jonnie Irwin’s A Place In The Sun co-stars Jasmine Harman and Danni lead tributes after terminal cancer diagnosis
A PLACE In The Sun presenter Jasmine Harman has paid a heartfelt tribute to co-star Jonnie Irwin following his terminal cancer diagnosis.
The dad-of-three, who was given just six months to live in 2020, has revealed his lung cancer has spread to his brain in an emotional new interview.
The married father-of-three's sad news has devastated his friends and fans, many of whom have sent him messages of support.
Commenting on Instagram, co-star Jasmine, 46, wrote: "Words can’t fix much, but what lovely words of support you have had here Jonnie I know you know this already, but I am here for you my dear friend, and Jess and the boys. So, so brave. Sending lots of love ❤️ speak soon, Jx"
Jonnie's co-star Danni Menzies has also paid tribute on social media, while sharing a photo of them together.
She wrote: "You ledge so incredibly brave to share you’re diagnosis with the world ❤️🙌🏻 A true inspiration to us all to cherish all the moments we can with the people we love. Love and laughs always to you and you’re gorge fam xxx"
While Homes Under The Hammer's Lucy Alexander said: "Jonnie. I get so much joy watching you & your boys on here. You’re one hellava Flippin amazeballs presenter and I’m sending so soooo much love & strength. ❤️ #staystrong 👊🏻."
Dancing On Ice professional skater Matt Evers said: "I am such a huge fan of you and your work. Sending love and positive energy to you and your family!"
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Another fan of Jonnie's show posted: "Sending you and your beautiful family so much love and strength ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing your news, I’m sure that many people who are in a similar situation will draw strength and inspiration from you. We are all with you Jonnie ❤️."
Keen sportsman Jonnie had chosen to keep his illness private, but has now spoken out as he revealed how he is making as many memories as possible with wife Jessica Holmes, who he wed in 2016, and their three sons - Rex, three, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
Jonnie told magazine: "I owe that to Jess and our boys.
"Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family."
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The Escape to the Country host bravely added: "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.
"I set little markers – things I want to be around for. I got into the habit of saying: 'Don't plan ahead because I might not be well enough.'
"But now I want to make plans. I want to make memories and capture these moments with my family because the reality is, my boys are going to grow up not knowing their dad and that breaks my heart."
Jonnie discovered he had cancer - which has spread to his brain - a week after filming A Place in the Sun in Italy in August 2020.
One of the show's longest-running presenters, he joined alongside Jasmine in 2004 and had been filming as recently as April this year.
He was told then that he had "six months to live" and said he has prolonged his life then against the odds with cancer drugs and chemotherapy.
Jonnie compared his cancer secret to having a "monkey on his back" and said he wanted to share his story to inspire others suffering with "life-limiting prospects to make the most of every day".
He said he wanted to help people to "see that you can live a positive life, even though you are dying".
He has urged people to take out life insurance, admitting it has given him some peace of mind.
He said: "That has helped so much and when I leave this planet, I'll do so knowing Jess and the boys are in a house that is fully paid off and there's a bit of money in the bank for them to live off."
Jonnie's fans and friends wrote messages to him on Instagram after he shared his story.
Escape the Country's Nicki Chapman said: "Love you guys so much."
Another fan said: "Jonnie I am so so sorry to hear your news, I have followed your adventures with pointy man (rex ) on Instagram and then with the twins, but obviously on tv as well.
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"Life is so cruel, to the nicest of people. I send you all our love to you and your family. xx"
And a third heartbroken fan penned: "Sending you and your beautiful family so much love and strength. Thank you for sharing your news, I’m sure that many people who are in a similar situation will draw strength and inspiration from you. We are all with you Jonnie."
