The head of MEJA in the Sun, Jonnie Irwin, has died at the age of 50.
Jonnie (50) was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 – a week after filming the popular series in Italy.
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Jonnie Irwin dies aged 50 Credit: NNP
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Jonnie with wife Jessica and three children Rex (centre) and twins Rafa and Cormac Credit: North News and Pictures
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The host has filmed more than 200 episodes of A Place in the SunCredit: Instagram
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His family revealed his passing in a touching post on Instagram. Credit: Instagram
Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain as Jonnie revealed in 2022 that he only had six months to live.
Today, his family announced that he had passed away.
A statement posted on Instagram read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing.
“Truly an extraordinary soul, he bravely fought cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of many with his kindness, warmth and contagious spirit.
“At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they work through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers and support are deeply appreciated.
“As we remember the good times we shared with Jonnie, let’s 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. We will miss you very much, but you will never be forgotten.”
Jonnie was born in 1973 and grew up on a small farm in the village of Bitteswell, Leicestershire.
He attended Birmingham City University where he obtained a degree in property management.
Jonnie started his career at business transfer specialists Christie & Co where he became Associate Director after just three years.
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In 2004, he was chosen from thousands of applicants to host Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun.
He has filmed more than 200 episodes as he helps British house hunters achieve their dream of buying a home abroad.
The gig helped put Jonnie on the presenting map and he went on to front the BBC’s Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.
He also hosted Escape to the Perfect Town and the Sky1 show Dream Lives for Sale in 2011, where he helped people leave their lives in the UK to start a business.
Despite his glittering career in television, Jonnie still worked as an adviser to clients on business and property and ran a consultancy agency.
He also wrote a regular column for A Place in the Sun magazine and gave presentations at the show’s live events.
But after being diagnosed with cancer, Jonnie claimed he was axed from the show by bosses.
He told The Sun that Freeform Productions “paid me off for the rest of the season and didn’t renew my contract” after the company claimed they couldn’t get insurance.
Jonnie added: “I was a presenter and then I wasn’t a presenter for A Place in the Sun for 18 years. And then I turn on the TV and someone else is doing my job.
“To take that away, to take away that salary, to take away that purpose… If having cancer wasn’t bad enough… I was really weak.
“That hit me hard. Now I can’t even watch the series.
Jonnie is survived by his wife Jess, eldest son Rex and twins Rafa and Cormac born in June 2020.
He told the Sun about his sadness at not being able to see his children grow up.
He said in March: “I don’t think they will remember me, they really won’t.
“They’re too young and if I die this year, there’s no way they’ll have any memories. And someone else will bring them out.
“I’ve done the hard yards with them, and someone else will get the easy part.”
WARNING SIGNS
Jonnie also shared how the first warning signs of his cancer came in 2020 when his vision blurred during filming.
He said he was told a week after returning from Italy that he had six months to live.
Jonnie underwent chemotherapy to prolong his prognosis as he openly told his wife that he was dying.
He said: “Within a week of returning from filming, I was given six months to live.
“I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was quite alone.
“It was devastating. All I could do was apologize to her. I felt so responsible.”
Jonnie married Jessica in September 2016 and the couple live in Newcastle with their three sons.
Speaking to The Sun in March 2023, Jonnie said he had become “weaker and weaker” and was left exhausted after playing football with eldest son Rex.
The former rugby player said he always felt “athletic” but was increasingly frustrated by how weak he had become.
SYMPTOMS OF LUNG CANCER
Cancer Research UK experts warn that there are nine common symptoms of the disease.
- He coughs most of the time
- You have a change in the cough you’ve had for a long time – it may sound different or be painful when you cough
- Getting out of breath doing things you used to do without a problem
- Coughing up mucus (sputum) with blood
- Chest or shoulder pain or ache
- Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t go away
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
- Lose weight
Jonnie also recently threw himself an extravagant early 50th birthday party with guests including co-star Jasmine Harman and former England cricketer Andrew Caddick.
He said: “It was a great night. I put together a playlist of some great songs from the 90s and 2000s and people came from all over the country and abroad.
“I didn’t know how much loyalty and generosity my friends would show. I was amazed and overwhelmed by their support, as well as the support of our families, who were amazing.
“I just wanted to do something to celebrate my birthday and I had no idea how many people would actually show up. It was amazing.”
A spokesperson for A Place in the Sun said: “We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much-loved part of the A Place in the Sun family and brought joy, wit and loads of energy to the show for over 18 years.
“We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts today are with Jess and the boys and the rest of Jonnie’s family.”
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The star has bravely spoken out about her battle with cancerCredit: Instagram
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He told how the first warning signs appeared in 2020 during the filming of A Place in the Sun
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He chose not to tell his children about his diagnosis Credit: Instagram
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education