Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50 after a battle with cancer.
The tragic news was announced on the former A Place in the Sun presenter's Instagram account yesterday (Friday February 2). 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.
Try the Liverpool Echo Premium app and get the first month free
READ MORE: Jasmine Harman issues heartbreaking tribute after Jonnie Irwin dies aged 50
"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".
In an interview with Hello Magazine, Jonnie explained how the first warning sign he experienced was when he experienced blurred vision while filming A Place in the Sun. He said: "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. All I could do was apologise to her. I felt so responsible."
Jonnie leaves behind three young sons, Rex, Rafa and Cormac, who he fathered with his wife, Jessica Holmes. The NHS' official website states "there are usually no signs or symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages."
It warned symptoms develop as the condition progresses. We have listed them below.
Lung cancer symptoms
- a cough that does not go away after 3 weeks
- a long-standing cough that gets worse
- chest infections that keep coming back
- coughing up blood
- an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
- persistent breathlessness
- persistent tiredness or lack of energy
- loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
Less common lung cancer symptoms
- changes in the appearance of your fingers, such as becoming more curved or their ends becoming larger (this is known as finger clubbing)
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or pain when swallowing
- wheezing
- a hoarse voice
- swelling of your face or neck
- persistent chest or shoulder pain
People who experience any of the main symptoms of lung cancer or any of the less common symptoms are advised to see their GP
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
Win a £100 Aldi voucher to help with those shopping essentials