British TV presenter Jonnie Irwin dead at 50

TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has tragically died following a battle with terminal cancer.

Jonnie Irwin, 50, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020 after the disease had spread from his lungs to his brain.

Father of three Irwin rose to fame in the UK and became a beloved TV presence with roles on shows including A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country.

A statement on his Instagram announcing his death said he 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,” said the statement. “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,” the statement continued.

“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.”

Irwin was initially given JUST six months to live, but defied the odds and made his illness public after two years of secretly struggling behind closed doors.

He said at the time that by making his battle public said he hoped his diagnosis would inspire people to “make the most of every day”.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing,” said a statement on the account where he used to post updates on his health.

“A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage.”

Freeform Productions, the production company behind A Place in the Sun, said, in a statement on Twitter: “Jonnie was a much-loved part of the A Place in the Sun family and for more than 18 years he brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show. We will miss him terribly.”

Irwin’s last social media post was just seven days ago, where he shared a video of himself keeping distracted by doing DIY around his home.

Following his death, the BBC described Irwin as an “extraordinary man and wonderful presenter”.

“He brought such warmth and fun to Escape To The Country where he was a firm favourite with not just viewers, but the production team too,” head of BBC daytime Rob Unsworth said.

“More recently, he did some truly inspirational reports for Morning Live about his illness, tackling taboos around end-of-life care and wonderfully demonstrating the limitless positivity that he brought to everything he did.”

Irwin’s co-stars also shared their devastation over his death, with his longtime co-star Jasmine Harman, sharing a lengthy tribute on Instagram.

“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,” she wrote. “The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you.”

Irwin leaves behind his three children, Rex, five and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac, and his wife Jessica.