Jonnie Irwin makes surprise return to TV following terminal cancer diagnosis

Jonnie Irwin is set to make a surprise return to TV today (Monday 25 September).

The property expert was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, and has not been seen on our screens much as a result. But now, he's back:

For years, he was the face of some of the biggest daytime shows around, such as A Place in the Sun – Home or Away, Escape to the Country, and To Buy or Not to Buy.

And over the weekend, the 49-year-old revealed that he was set to return for another episode of Escape to the Country.

Sharing the news in a post to his Instagram account, Irwin told his fans that they could expect to see him back on the telly today.

Posting a behind the scenes snap of him, the dad-of-three wrote: "Good news to start the week, there’s a brand new episode of @escape_country airing tomorrow on @bbcone at 3 pm and it’s one of mine!"

He went on: "I head down to Somerset and look at some fantastic rural properties in some beautiful locations.

Instagram/jonnieirwintv

"Plus I also get to visit a cider farm – perks of the job. Hope you enjoy!"

And if that wasn't enough, the much-loved presenter even shared a sneak peek at the episode this morning.

Posting the short clip, Irwin wrote: "Welcome to the 'Goodness Gracious' house. Find out what happened later today in a brand new episode of @escape_country . Which house was your favourite?

Showing today at 3pm on @bbcone."

The news, as you can imagine, has gone down very well with fans, who've piled into the comments to share their excitement at seeing him back on the box.

One person said: "Can’t wait to see you back on Jonnie! Great programme..Great guy !!"

Another commented: "Brill no one does it like you..so good to know they have your back Jonnie."

"How fantastic," put a third. "You are looking sooo well. Can’t wait to see to back on the telly."

While someone else added: "About time they put you back on. You are great on the show."

Instagram/jonnieirwintv

Irwin, who's worked on countless television series over the past 20 years, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020.

However, late last year, he revealed that it had sadly spread to his brain, and that there was nothing that could be done.

Before embarking on a career as an estate agent and eventually becoming a Channel 4 TV personality, Irwin was raised in Bitteswell, Leicestershire and attended Lutterworth Grammar School.

In an interview on OneChat podcast with AIG life, Irwin explained: “The programme is to try and remain positive. Positive for me is burying my head in the sand a bit.

“Jess and I don't talk about it much and we've been close to death's door a few times now. Twice at least.

“Apart from those times we've not really talked about it. Financially we're slowly getting stuff in place, transferring account details and putting stuff in her name but being positive [is] such an important factor. I do that by not talking about it too much."

Great to have you back, Jonnie!