Jonnie Irwin fulfilled a dying promise after doctors gave him days to live last year
Yesterday, it was announced that much-loved Channel 4 presenter Jonnie Irwin had tragically died.
Famed for having presented the likes of lifestyle hits A Place in The Sun and Escape to the Country, Jonnie sadly passed away on 2 February 2023 following a terminal lung cancer diagnosis.
The father-of-three first opened up about his health diagnosis back in November 2022 - two years after first receiving the life-shattering news himself.
Advert
Since then, TV favourite Jonnie has shared each milestone of his cancer journey with his huge fanbase, which has been supporting him every step of the way.
And after a statement was posted on his Instagram account on Friday evening confirming the tragic news, tributes to the star have been pouring in.
The social media message posted on Irwin's Instagram account announcing his death read: "In Loving Memory... 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."
Speaking previously to Hello! following his diagnosis, Jonnie - who shares young sons Rex and twins Rafa and Corma with wife Jessica Holmes - admitted he wasn't sure exactly how much time he'd have left.
Despite this daunting truth, the on-screen star pledged to 'do as much as we can as a family'.
Since then, Jonnie has done just that, sharing glimpses at his frequent fun-fuelled trips to the countryside with his kids and regular romantic date nights with wife Jessica on Instagram.
He'd had initially been told by doctors that he wouldn't live to see his twin sons' third birthday party, which fell in June, but ever the fighter, Jonnie was by his boys' sides on their special day.
But back in November, he was rushed to St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle, where his health deteriorated dramatically, believing it to be the end.
Despite his odds, however, Jonnie continued to fight and was released just days later, making a promise to himself that he'd make it past his own 50th birthday, which he wanted to celebrate with his family in Spain.
"I never thought I’d be here. I’m really looking forward to some time with Jess and the boys," he told press at the time.
But thankfully, on 18 November, Jonnie, his wife and their kids were able to fly down to the Costa Del Sol to enjoy, what would sadly be, their final holiday together as a family of five.
They enjoyed meals out together, swimming competitions and football games.
"I never thought I'd be here for this, so I'm chuffed to bits," Jonnie told Hello! at the time.
"I feel really privileged to be able to celebrate my birthday looking at blue skies and with sand between my toes. I had an early birthday party at the start of the year because I didn't think I'd make it."
He went on: "It was like being at my own wake; lots of fun, lots of dancing. But here I am. I view it as a complete triumph."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: Celebrity, Health, Channel 4, TV and Film
Rhianna Benson