BRAVE STAR
Heartbreaking reason Jonnie Irwin kept his cancer diagnosis private for two years
The TV star's heartbroken wife has paid tribute to her late husband
THE heartbreaking reason Jonnie Irwin kept his cancer diagnosis a secret has been revealed.
The A Place In The Sun host's death aged 50 was announced last night following a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer.
6
6
6
Jonnie was given six-months to live after his diagnosis in August 2020.
Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain and in 2022 the popular presenter revealed he had just six months to live.
Jonnie you really were the most handsome man I ever knew and I am so sorry for this cruel end
Jonnie's wife Jessica
In an interview late last year, Jonnie revealed he kept his diagnosis a secret as he wanted to "continue working" so he could provide for his wife and young sons.
And as soon as he told TV bosses he was seriously ill, Jonnie said his fears were confirmed when his contract was pulled.
READ MORE ON JONNIE IRWIN
Speaking as he fought the spreading disease, Jonnie explained: "The only reason I kept it secret is because I’ve got to earn, I’ve got to feed my babies, pay the bills. And as soon as you say you’ve got cancer, people just write you off."
Jonnie had been filming A Place in the Sun in Italy when he became ill — and told The Sun in an exclusive interview in November 2022 that producers "paid him off" and failed to renew his contract when he finally told them he had cancer.
He told us: “As soon as people find out you’ve got cancer they write you off.
“Yes, I have stage four and it’s terminal — but not yet, so let me live my life while I can.
Most read in News TV
“As soon as I told A Place in the Sun about my diagnosis they paid me for the rest of the season but didn’t renew my contract. They knew I wanted to carry on.
“That hurt. That broke my heart. I feel hugely let down. I can’t even watch the show now.”
Jonnie went on: “Yes, I’m a family man and I need to put a roof over our heads and food on the table but work is something that’s really important to me. It also stops me thinking about cancer.
“Even though I look thinner and I’m without hair, Escape to the Country and A Place in the Sun Ltd, which runs the show’s exhibitions, have employed me and I’ve been so impressed by them. But I didn’t get that support from A Place in the Sun."
Last night Jonnie's family revealed he had passed away, in an emotional statement.
Married to beloved wife Jess, the couple has three boys, Rex, five, and twins Cormac and Rafa, two.
Posted on Instagram the statement 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. 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.”
Following the news of her husband's death, Jonnie's beloved wife paid an emotional tribute to him.
Mum-of-three Jess called her brave husband "magical" and vowed to make him proud in a post on Instagram.
She wrote: 'Good night my favourite. Thank you for everything.
"I will always love you. The hardest day has come, a day I prayed wouldn’t come. It’s with all the the saddness in the world that I confirm Jonnie has passed away earlier today'.
"His magical brain that continued to fight to the end has now gone to sleep. He has given me more than I could ever have wished for, 8 bonkers years of love and adventure and 3 amazing boys.
"I will continue to make you proud but only with your love still finding me and guiding me for the rest of my life, me and the boys still need you. Jonnie you really were the most handsome man I ever knew and I am so sorry for this cruel end.
"It really wasn’t fair and you didn’t deserve any of this. You gave so much time to others and touched everyone you met, I have never experienced anything like the effect you had on people. I love you so much and forever proud of you xxx."
There was a mass outpouring of love for the popular presenter with fans, friends and co-stars all paying their respects and sharing memories.
A statement from Channel 4 read: "Everyone at Channel 4 is deeply saddened by the news of Jonnie's death. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jonnie's family, his wife Jessica and their three sons, as well as his friends and colleagues.
Jonnie was a beloved presenter on A Place In The Sun for over 18 years.
"He helped realise the dreams of many on the show and inspired countless viewers to find their own places in the sun.
Much loved by colleagues and audiences alike he will be greatly missed."
A Place in the Sun's Jonnie Irwin dies aged 50 after gruelling cancer battle
Fellow Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman posted a touching photo of the pair on Instagram - saying "the world is a little darker today.
She added: "Jonnie, you’ve taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends.
"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."
Meanwhile ITV star Nicki Chapman wrote: "Heart broken. Sending love to Jess and the family.
"And escape from the country's Sonali Shah: I feel so lucky to have known Jonnie."
The Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country star had previously told The Sun of his sorrow at not being able to see his children grow up.
He said last March: “I think they’re not going to remember me, they’re really not.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“They’re too young and if I die this year there’s no chance they will have memories. And someone else is going to bring them up.
“I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
6
6
6
LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS
Experts at Cancer Research UK warn there are nine common symptoms of the disease.
- Having a cough most of the time
- Having a change in a cough you have had for a long time - it may sound different or be painful when you cough
- Getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
- Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
- Having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
- Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn't get better
- Losing your appetite
- Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
- Losing weight
Keep up to date with the latest news, gossip and scandals on our celebrity live blog
Topics