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9 months ago
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Jonnie Irwin’s co-presenters have paid tribute to the popular British TV frontman following his death aged 50, announced Friday.
Irwin, who fronted property shows Escape to the Country on the BBC and A Place in the Sun on Channel 4, had previously revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2022, sharing his knowledge that it was a terminal condition.
His family published a statement on Instagram, announcing his death and saying:
“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. 🕊️💔”
His longtime co-presenter of A Place in the Sun, Jasmine Harman, recalled on social media Irwin’s “incredible ability to connect with people.” She wrote: “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. The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you.”
Freeform Productions, the production company behind A Place in the Sun, which Irwin began presenting in 2004, said in a statement on X: “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 began presenting BBC’s Escape to the Country in 2010, and co-presenter Nicki Chapman wrote that she was “heartbroken,” and Sonali Shah said she felt “so lucky to have known Jonnie”.
Jules Hudson, one of the show’s longest-serving hosts, said Irwin was the “life and soul” of the Escape to the Country family.
The BBC called Irwin an “extraordinary man and wonderful presenter,” and said in a statement: “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.”
