A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50, leaving behind a dream home for his kids in his final TV appearance and Instagram post.
The Escape to the Country star had been updating fans on his journey since revealing his cancer diagnosis in 2022, but he seemed to be well in his final update – just six days before his death on February 2.
He was first diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 and was previously told he had six months to live after it spread to his brain.
Emotional tributes have already flooded in for the ‘charismatic’ star, including from his fellow presenter Jasmine Harman who called him her ‘partner in crime’.
However, Irwin had not given away the extent of his ill health in his last ever update, seeming to be chipper as he took to Instagram to discuss his home renovations.
‘Right, just in from hospital, coat off – and I’ve got new windows,’ Irwin said nonchalantly, unphased by his hospital trip, before talking his 243,000 followers through the exciting fact he had new windows installed.
The seemingly well TV star continued to discuss the home renovations and his decisions as he looked around the still-to-be-decorated room, which he has been doing up for his family.
In the caption, he wrote: ‘I was tempted to spray the remaining windows, but after interviewing someone that actually knows what they’re talking about I changed my plans.’
His final TV appearance was also about this home renovation as he had an unexpected cameo on Morning Live in a pre-recorded clip which aired on November 12.
The video was cut into two segments with Irwin sharing that he was doing up the house as he wanted to leave it to his sons.
‘Renovations can be costly, but they also offer a great rate of return on investment if you plan ahead and do your research.’
He showed off an outdoor area and explained his vision for the space as well as sharing helpful tips for improving your property value.
The week before his death, Irwin had also given a major health update and admitted things were not going great as he was struggling to sleep.
‘This is look of a man who’s not slept for 6 nights and awaiting a full body MRI scan of at least an hour,’ Irwin, who in the photo is wearing a hospital gown, shared.
In his usual charming manner, he then added: ‘If you haven’t had one they’re claustrophobic and claustrophobic and omit loud random noises. Joy.’
Irwin had shared previously how he was trying numerous different treatments to try and fight the cancer.
He was mixing regular NHS treatment with alternative therapies including a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, vitamin C, and reiki.
His wife Jessica Holmes and their three sons – Rex, three, and twins Rafa and Cormac, two – featured on his Instagram often in sweet updates as they packed in as many memories as possible.
In the heartbreaking announcement, they wrote: ‘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.’
The post asked for privacy at this time and added: ‘Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated.’
