TV presenter Johnny Irwin has died at the age of 50, his representative has confirmed.
Irwin, who hosted Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun and the BBC’s Escape to the Country, announced in November 2022 that his lung cancer had spread to his brain and that he was terminally ill. revealed.
A statement posted on the host’s Instagram account paid tribute to his “kindness, warmth and contagious spirit” and spoke of his family’s “immeasurable” grief and “deep loss.”
Along with a photo of the late TV presenter and his wife Jessica Holmes, he has three young sons, Rex and twins Rafa and Cormac. The memorial letter reads: It is with great sadness that we announce the news of Johnny’s passing.
“A truly wonderful soul, he bravely battled cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Johnny touched the lives of many with his kindness, warmth and contagious spirit.
“At this time, we ask for privacy as Johnny’s family navigates this profound loss. Their loss is immeasurable and we deeply appreciate everyone’s thoughts, prayers and support.
“Let’s celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts as we remember the beautiful moments we shared with Johnny. Johnny may be gone from our memory, but his love… , laughter, and memories will live on.
“Rest in Peace, dear Johnny. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.”
Irwin hosted Channel 4’s popular property show for over 18 years . After sharing his terminal diagnosis, he said he hoped it would inspire others to “make the most of every day.”
He said the first signs of the disease appeared in August 2020 while filming A Place in the Sun in Italy when his vision began to blur while driving. Within a week of his flight home, he was given six months to live.
After revealing his diagnosis in an interview with Hello!, he told the magazine:
“That’s all thanks to Jess and my sons. Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I want to do everything we can as a family.”
She added that she wanted to create memories for her family because “my sons are going to grow up not knowing their father and that breaks my heart.”
Mr Irwin’s wife, Jessica, paid a touching tribute on Instagram, writing that Mr Irwin’s “magical brain” continued to fight until the end, “eight years of crazy love and adventure, and three wonderful boys.”
She added, “I will always be proud of you, but me and the boys still need you, only because of your love that found me and guided me through the rest of my life.”
“Johnny, you were truly the most handsome man I’ve ever known. I’m so sorry for this cruel ending. It’s so unfair and you don’t deserve this.”
Jasmin Harman paid tribute to her A Place in the Sun co-star in an Instagram post. She said: “Starting our television careers together was a joy and a privilege for which I will forever be grateful.” Almost 20 years ago, two nervous new presenters (I’m probably more excited than you are) We were nervous!), so we knew little about the adventure we were about to embark on or the friends we were about to become.
“Professionally, you were well-suited to life in front of the lens. But over the years, you always talked about wanting to settle down and become a father. When you met Jess, your aspirations were… It happened. I have never been happier than to be a husband and father to three of the most amazing boys. You are a legend.”
A Place in the Sun’s Instagram account also posted a tribute to Irwin. “We are heartbroken,” it read. “Johnny was a beloved member of the Place in the Sun family for over 18 years, bringing joy, wit and energy to the show. We will miss him tremendously.” . Our thoughts are with Jess, the boys and the rest of the family.”
Rob Unsworth, head of daytime and early peak commissioning at the BBC, said: “Jonny Irwin was an extraordinary person and a fantastic presenter. He brought warmth and fun to Escape to the Country and was a firm favorite with viewers and the production team alike.
“Most recently, he gave a truly moving report on Morning Live about his illness, tackling the taboo around end-of-life care and brilliantly demonstrating the boundless positivity he brings to everything he does.
“His kindness will be greatly missed by everyone he worked with. We send all our thoughts to his family and friends at this sad time. Masu.”
John Comerford, executive producer of Escape to the Country and president of production company Naked West, said he was “incredibly sad” to hear of Irwin’s death.
“He was a central figure on Escape to the Country for 14 years and will be a huge loss to our production team and all the viewers who loved watching him on the show. ”Comerford said.
“Johnny was smart, warm and funny, never missing a line full of mischief and insight, and always put the show’s contributors at ease. He was loved by all the teams he worked with. He is an unimaginable loss to the Escape family.”
Channel 4 said in X’s post that Irwin would be “sorely missed” and said: “Everyone at Channel 4 is deeply saddened by the news of Johnny’s death.” “Johnny has been a much-loved presenter on A Place In The Sun for over 18 years. I urged you to find it.
“He was loved by colleagues and viewers alike and will be greatly missed.”
