Jonnie Irwin, 49, is dying, but the A Place In The Sun star hasn’t told his three children about his diagnosis.
In an interview with Hello!, the British TV star opened up about the tough decision, and why he’s going to bury his head in the sand for as long as possible.
Jonnie Irwin is a very popular British TV presenter and property expert who has gained a huge fanbase through his work in the field of real estate and home improvement. He’s probably best known for hosting some of the most successful TV shows in U.K, including Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.
Many also recognize him as the presenter for A Place in the Sun, the long-running TV show where couples are taken to see three or four properties for sale in a foreign country that they want to move to or frequently holiday in.
His engaging and affable personality, combined with his knowledge and passion for property, have made him a beloved figure among viewers. And perhaps that’s why his heartbreaking journey with cancer has so deeply touched people around the world.
In August 2020, Irwin received devastating news. Sadly, the TV star was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer – and it had already spread to his brain.
Experts only gave him a few months to live. In 2022, Irwin made the courageous decision to openly share his battle with the illness.
”I don’t know how long I have left, but I try to stay positive and my attitude is that I’m living with cancer, not dying from it. I set little markers – things I want to be around for […] I’m doing everything I can to hold that day off for as long as possible. I owe that to Jess and our boys. Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family,” he told Hello!.
Today, Jonnie Irwin aims to use his fatal diagnosis as a source of inspiration, motivating others to seize every day and make the most out of life.
But it hasn’t been easy for Irwin to maintain hope and find the strength to help others. According to himself, A Place In The Sun dumped him as soon as Jonnie told them he had terminal cancer. The 49-year-old says he was paid off when diagnosed mid-series, and that his contract was not renewed.
Jonnie is a father of three and married to his wife, Jessica Holmes. The couple tied the knot in September 2016 and are raising three kids together – Rex, 4, and the twins Rafa and Cormac, age 2.
But the famous TV presenter is yet to tell his three children about his terminal condition.
”I keep being asked, ‘Are you going to tell them?’ but tell them what?” he asks, exasperated. “It would be horrible news that they’d have to get their heads around. And it would confuse the hell out of Rex – he’s got a shocking enough day coming. Let’s bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible,” Irwin says.
In the most recent interview with Hello!, Irwin reveals that he wants his children to continue experiencing joy and be happy – he doesn’t want the kids to have to struggle too much.
”I had a tough upbringing. And I’ve managed to do a lot in my life, despite that, but I don’t want them to struggle. I want them to have the confidence of a public school boy, but also be streetwise lads. They’re happy kids, they laugh, and are a lot of fun to have around,” he shared.
Your openness about your illness will make a difference, Jonnie! You are reaching people and you will be remembered – God bless you and your loved ones!
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