jonnie's pAIN
Jonnie Irwin says he won’t tell his kids he’s dying in heartbreaking chat as A Place In The Sun host opens up on cancer
JONNIE Irwin left Good Morning Britain viewers "heartbroken" as he opened up on family life amid his terminal cancer diagnosis.
The A Place In The Sun host, 49, followed up his exclusive with The Sun - where he claimed he was sacked by show bosses after they learned he was suffering from lung cancer - with an emotional chat on the ITV show.
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Dad of three Jonnie told hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard he was focussing on "making memories" with his wife Jessica and their brood after being told he only had six months to live following a diagnosis in 2020.
He admitted he didn't feel "any need" to tell his children Rex, aged three, and twins Cormac and Rafa, both two, of his tragic diagnosis.
Opening up, he said: "It's only been recently we have considered when we are going to tell them.
"Because they are so young but at the moment, I am me - albeit a thinner version.
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"I don't think there is any need to tell them.
"I think it would be a lot for them to get their heads around."
As fellow parent Susanna suggested children "live in the moment", he agreed and added: "For now, let the good times roll for as long as possible."
In his exclusive emotional chat with The Sun, Jonnie admitted his kids "probably wouldn't remember him" and that "someone else would bring them up."
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On Good Morning Britain, he added: "Now is about making memories.
"I am probably going harder on it [Christmas].
"I know my children are so young they probably won't remember me."
Viewers were left hugely emotional watching his candid chat at home.
One took to Twitter to write: "OMG Jonnie Irwins beautiful children, heartbreaking 💔 #GMB."
A second added: "So sad hearing Jonnie Irwin's illness. I saw him many times filming around Spain. Lovely man #GMB," as a third continued: "Jonnie Irwin is the reason I watch #PlaceintheSun what a wonderful attitude 🙏 his family should be so proud of him💕 sending strength to his family #gmb."
One then put: "💔 listening to jonnie's story😢😢 #gmb" as another added: "wow that was powerful #gmb good luck , and give him a job #itv #leicesterlad."
In the chat, Jonnie also confirmed The Sun's exclusive splash, where he told how A Place In The Sun bosses had sacked him after he admitted his illness.
As the newspaper was held up in the studio, he admitted he was "massively aggrieved."
He added: "It broke my heart. I don't think they even fought for me."
Production company Freeform had responded to say there was "no stone left unturned" in their hope to keep him on the show, yet insurance proved an issue.
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Fans reacted to his comments on his iconic telly role, with one posting: "So sad that A Place in the Sun couldn’t find a different role just for him after 18 years 💔 #gmb."
Another wrote: "Excellent #gmb interview with @jonnieirwin. Very brave and pragmatic. Disgusting attitude from Place in the Sun. Best wishes to Jonnie for the future."
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