Jonnie Irwin has been flooded with support after sharing his terminal cancer diagnosis. The presenter, who is known for hosting Channel 4's A Place In The Sun and the BBC's Escape To The Country, said he had chosen to keep his illness private until now and hopes sharing it will inspire others to "make the most of every day."
Jonnie, who shares three-year-old son Rex and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac with his wife Jessica, revealed his lung cancer had spread to his brain, telling Hello magazine: "I don’t know how long I have left."
The 48-year-old shared how the first warning sign of his illness came while he was filming A Place In The Sun in August 2020 in Italy, when his vision became blurry while driving.
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"Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live," Jonnie recalled. "I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was on her own pretty much. That was devastating." He added: "All I could do was apologise to her. I felt so responsible."
Despite his diagnosis, Jonnie has continued to work as much as possible. "I don’t know how long I have left, but I try to stay positive and my attitude is that I’m living with cancer, not dying from it," he said.
"I set little markers, things I want to be around for. I got into the habit of saying ‘Don’t plan ahead because I might not be well enough.' But now I want to make plans. I want to make memories and capture these moments with my family because the reality is, my boys are going to grow up not knowing their dad and that breaks my heart."
Sharing a photo alongside his wife and their three children on Instagram, Jonnie wrote: "Got some sad news to share with you. I have told my story to @hellomag." And the post was quickly inundated with messages.
A Place In The Sun co-presenter Jasmine Harman said: "Words can’t fix much, but what lovely words of support you have had here Jonnie. I know you know this already, but I am here for you my dear friend, and Jess and the boys. So, so brave. Sending lots of love. Speak soon, Jx." Homes Under the Hammer star Lucy Alexander replied: "Jonnie. I get so much joy watching you & your boys on here. You’re one hellava Flippin amazeballs presenter and I’m sending so soooo much love & strength. #staystrong."
Presenter and former TV talent show judge Nicki Chapman simply added: "Love you guys so much." Fans have also been sharing their support. @happychazzy said: "such heartbreaking news. You’ve always been our favourite Place In The Sun presenter. Sending love and strength to you and your family."
@sallyjamos wrote: "What an incredible person you are, I’ve always loved watching you. Keep making those memories, they don’t have to be unusual to be exceptional." @blak4itfitz commented: "Sorry to read this New Jonnie. ...I have been following you on TV and Twitter for years now as I had a big man crush on you....anyway my thoughts and prayers are with you your wife and the boys..."
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