Jonnie Irwin revealed heartbreaking message for his three young children in moving interview before his death

JONNIE Irwin has shared the heartbreaking message he will leave for his three children in an emotional interview before his death.

The A Place In The Sun star, who died aged 50 from lung cancer, shared three young boys with his wife Jessica.

Jonnie Irwin leaves behind three young boys Credit: instagram

He shared his lasting message with them before he died

Last summer, Jonnie opened up about his terminal diagnosis and the words of wisdom he will leave behind with his boys.

He said HELLO! magazine: “I want them to believe they can do anything… I want them to be confident, but believe in yourself, because you can do anything… I’ve seen their abilities and they are limitless.”

Jonnie’s message to his sons read: “Family first, always take care of your family. Your brothers, your mother… Put them first. Support them, love them and know that they are much more important than anyone else.”

He told them that they should “believe in themselves” because “they can do anything”.

READ MORE ABOUT JONNIE IRWIN

Jonnie leaves behind his wife Jessica and sons Rex, four, and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.

He was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020, a week after filming A Place In The Sun in Italy.

Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain and Jonnie discovered in 2022 that he only had six months to live.

His family announced today (Friday, February 2) that he had passed away.

Among the tributes, A Place In The Sun has now released an official statement, saying the cast and crew of the Channel 4 show are “heartbroken”.

It said: “We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much loved part of the A Place In The Sun family and for over 18 years he brought joy, wit and loads of energy to the show. He will be terribly missed. Our thoughts are with Jess and the boys today and the rest of Jonnie’s family.”

Jonnie performed at A Place In The Sun for 18 years.

His co-star Jasmine Harman, meanwhile, spoke glowingly of her late friend and her admiration for him after his death.

She wrote on Instagram: “Jonnie, you have taught me so much in our time as co-workers and as good friends. I have never admired you more than in the last few years as you faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody smarts. .I have never known anyone as strong as you.You have made yourself, your loved ones and all of us proud.

“The world is a little darker without you today, but I’ll always smile when I think of you. My partner in crime, my OG co-host – Jonnie, I’ll miss you.”

Jonnie, who also hosted Escape To The Country, never shied away from the grueling treatment he had to endure.

The brave star has been keeping fans updated on social media, and a week ago she was photographed in a hospital gown.

An exhausted Jonnie snapped a pre-MRI selfie and admitted he looked like he ‘hadn’t slept in six nights’.

Announcing his tragic death, Jonnie’s family wrote on Instagram this evening: “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.”