TV presenter Jonnie Irwin dies after cancer diagnosis in 2020

Television presenter Jonnie Irwin has died after being diagnosed with cancer, his family has announced.

The Place in the Sun presenter, 50, announced in November 2022 that he had lung cancer and it had spread to his brain.

Mr Irwin previously said he received the first warning sign of his illness while he was filming A Place In The Sun in Italy in August 2020, when his vision became blurry while driving. His diagnosis was given within a week of flying home and he was given just six months to live.

However he went public with his illness two years later after defying the odds, stating that he wanted to inspire others to “make the most of every day”.

In a statement shared on his Instagram page on Friday, it said: “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.”

Mr Irwin began his career in a graduate job at Christie & Co, a surveying and business transfer specialist firm, where he worked in a number of different roles. He then rose through the ranks to become associate director of the agency.

In 2004 he became a presenter of A Place In The Sun: Home or Away? and went on to appear in other series for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky One including Dream Lives for Sale, The Renovation Game, Escape to the Country, Dispatches, Cowboy Trap and To Buy or Not to Buy.

He married his wife Jessica in 2016 and the pair have three sons – Rex, Rafa and Cormac.

Last March, Mr Irwin confirmed that he had celebrated his 50th birthday early with a huge party as he had become weaker.

“It was a great night. I chose a playlist with some great tunes from the ’90s and 2000s and people came from all over the country and abroad,” he recalled.

“I didn’t know the extent of the loyalty and generosity that my friends would exhibit.

“I’ve been dumbfounded and spellbound by their support, as well as that of our families, who have been amazing.

“I just wanted to do something to celebrate my birthday and had no idea how many people would actually turn up. It was incredible.”