A Place in the Sun ’s Amanda Lamb is heartbroken for Jonnie Irwin following his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Jonnie, 49, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020, which has tragically spread to his brain. He has been undergoing radiotherapy, chemotherapy and medication treatment to prolong his life, and overcame the odds of being given just six months to live two years ago.
Jonnie opted to keep his diagnosis to himself for over two years, and claimed that the producers of the home improvement show paid him off midway through the season and didn’t renew his contract after he informed them of his illness.
He further alleged that Freeform Productions, the company behind Channel 4's property show, stopped giving him work.
In a statement, Freeform Productions said they were unable to keep him on due to being unable to secure insurance cover for him.
Now, his co-star Amanda has told how life can be ‘unfair’ as she discussed Jonnie’s fight against cancer.
The model-come-presenter, 50, said that her colleague is a ‘gorgeous human being’ after finding out about his secret health battle.
She told the Express in a new interview: “One of the things I love about Jonnie is how he is tackling it with such dignity. I love the fact he is doing all these experiences and he is going to all these places. I hope he gets to see many more.
"But it’s horrific and I can’t bear it. He is such a gorgeous human being and it’s beyond heartbreaking. Life is so unfair. I’ve sent a message to Jonnie. He knows how loved he is but – rightly - he needs to focus on his immediate family now.
"I think when you are going through anything whether it’s a bereavement, divorce, or a monumental occasion in your life, it is very important to know you are loved but also to know people are there if you need them.
"Cancer is such a horrible disease. It is absolutely horrendous and the outpouring of love for him has been unbelievable.”
Amanda joined A Place In The Sun in 2001 and worked on the series until 2009, whilst Jonnie joined the show in 2004.
Although the presenters filmed and hosted the episodes separately, the pair worked directly together at the A Place In The Sun Live exhibition throughout the years.
If you or someone you know is living with or affected by cancer, you can speak to Macmillan’s cancer specialists for free, confidential advice on the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 from 8am to 8pm every day.
