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Spotted UK

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A Place in Sun’s Jonnie Irwin dies aged 50 as statement issued

BySpotted UK

Feb 2, 2024

A Place in the Sun's Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50 after a battle with cancer.

A statement has been issued on the presenter's Instagram account to confirm his death. It said: "In Loving Memory.

"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.

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"At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss. Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated.
"As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us 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. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten."

Jonnie made his terminal diagnosis public in November 2022, when he said his lung cancer had spread to his brain. At the time he said he hoped sharing his illness would encourage others to "make the most of every day".

The presenter said the first warning sign of his illness came while he was filming A Place In The Sun in August 2020 in Italy, when his vision became blurry while driving. He told Hello Magazine: "Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live. I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was on her own pretty much. That was devastating.”

Jonnie leaves behind three young sons, Rex, Rafa and Cormac, who he fathered with his wife, Jessica Holmes. The late star was praised for raising awareness and promoting a “positive lifestyle” during his cancer battle. He said: “I hope I might inspire people who are living with life-limiting prospects to make the most of every day, to help them see that you can live a positive life, even though you are dying.

“One day, this is going to catch up with me, but 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.”

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