Former A Place In The Sun star Amanda Lamb has admitted that she found the sad news of co-star Jonnie Irwin's terminal cancer diagnosis "beyond heartbreaking".
Amanda, who presented the Channel 4 series from 2001 until 2009, applauded her former colleague's "dignity" after he revealed in November that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to his brain. Support poured in for the star from his colleagues and fans as he admitted that he was initially given just six months to live following the devastating diagnosis when filming A Place In The Sun in August 2020.
Jonnie, who is a dad to his four-year-old son Rex and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac, said that he wants to "let the good times roll for as long as possible" with his family and make the most of his time by creating special memories with his kids. And former co-star Amanda, 50, has become the latest person to publicly praise "gorgeous human being" Jonnie for his handling of the heartbreaking situation.
READ MORE: A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin's little-known link to Newcastle after moving to city
"One of the things I love about Jonnie is how he is tackling it with such dignity," she told The Express. "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," Amanda added. "He is such a gorgeous human being and it’s beyond heartbreaking. Life is so unfair."
The presenter, who is set to present a new series My Mortgage Free Home in 2023, said that she had been in touch with her former colleague in the wake of his diagnosis. "I’ve sent a message to Jonnie," Amanda said.
"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."
Amanda added: "Cancer is such a horrible disease. It is absolutely horrendous and the outpouring of love for him has been unbelievable."
Jonnie, 49, shared sweet pictures on social media over the festive season as he celebrated Christmas with his family, including a trip to visit Santa as he continues to make memories with his kids. He has also been using his diagnosis to raise awareness around the "taboo" subject of death, including issuing advice on life insurance.
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