More stories

  • in

    Jonnie Irwin’s heartbroken A Place in the Sun co-star Danni Menzies in touching tribute after cancer death

    DANNI Menzies has posted a heartbreaking tribute to her A Place In The Sun co-star Jonnie Irwin after his death.Jonnie, 50, tragically passed away after a gruelling battle with cancer.
    Danni Menzies paid tribute to her co-presenterCredit: Instagram
    Jonnie Irwin tragically died after a battle with cancerCredit: Instagram/@jonnieirwintv
    Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for Jonnie after his family today confirmed he sadly passed away.
    His former co-presenter on A Place In The Sun Danni posted to her Instagram story paying tribute to Jonnie.
    The Perthshire-born star, 31, reshared a post with a poem by Ida Banks.
    It read: “When we die I want to believe that we are scattered throughout all the people that have ever loved us.

    “That we will continue to exist in them, in their bloodstreams, for generations, for lifetimes.”
    Danni shared the touching tribute saying: “You will Jonnie xxx”.
    Jonnie was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 – just one week after filming the property show in Italy.
    He revealed the heartbreaking news in 2022 that the cancer had spread to his brain and he had just months to live.
    Most read in Celebrity
    Jonnie’s family released a statement announcing his tragic passing.
    It read: “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.
    “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 first joined A Place In The Sun in 2004 and presented over 200 episodes of the show.
    he went on to front BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    He also hosted Escape to the Perfect Town and Sky1 show Dream Lives for Sale in 2011, which saw him help people leave their lives in the UK behind to set up a business.
    Despite his TV fame, Jonnie still worked as an adviser to clients on business and property and ran a consultancy agency.
    She shared a touching tribute on her Instagram storyCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Jonnie Irwin’s wife supported TV star through cancer battle – as couple dreamed of future with their three children

    TV STAR Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50 – leaving behind his wife of seven years and three small kids. The A Place in the Sun host previously told how he had dreamed of plans for the future while battling lung cancer for three years. 
    Jonnie with his wife Jessica and three children Rex (middle) and twins Rafa and Cormac
    His family revealed he passed away with a touching Instagram postCredit: Instagram
    He chose not to tell his children about his diagnosisCredit: Instagram
    Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain as Jonnie revealed in 2022 he had just six months to live.
    He leaves behind wife Jess, his eldest son Rex, and twins Rafa and Cormac, born in June 2020.
    Jonnie met wife Jess through mutual friends in summer 2015 and both said they knew they had met ‘The One’.
    Jess, 41, was left devastated by her husband’s illness but told of his will to live for her and the boys
    She previously said: “He’s stubborn and determined and he’s a scrapper.
    “If I ever think about the reality it absolutely breaks my heart, for the boys and for Jonnie.
    “It’s just very unfair and I’m angry at how much it’s ruined the last couple of years, how much it’s taken away from us enjoying having a new family.
    The Escape to the Country star had previously told The Sun of his sorrow at not being able to see his children grow up.
    Most read in Showbiz
    He said last March: “I think they’re not going to remember me, they’re really not.
    “They’re too young and if I die this year there’s no chance they will have memories. And someone else is going to bring them up.
    Terminally ill A Place in the Sun star Jonnie Irwin shares huge health update as new treatments have ‘bought him months’
    “I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
    Jonnie also told how the first warning signs for his cancer came in 2020 when his vision went blurry during filming.
    He said within a week of flying back from Italy, he was told he had six months to live.
    Jonnie underwent chemotherapy to help prolong the prognosis as he opened up on telling his wife he was dying.
    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.”
    His death was announced on Instagram today by his family.
    The post reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. 
    LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS Experts at Cancer Research UK warn there are nine common symptoms of the disease.

    Having a cough most of the time
    Having a change in a cough you have had for a long time – it may sound different or be painful when you cough
    Getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
    Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
    Having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
    Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better
    Losing your appetite
    Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
    Losing weight

    “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.
    “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.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “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.”
    The presenter filmed over 200 episodes of A Place in the Sun More

  • in

    Jonnie Irwin death: Tributes flood in for ‘remarkable’ A Place in the Sun star as friends praise a ‘life well lived’

    TRIBUTES are flooding in for A Place in the Sun star Jonnie Irwin after he passed away aged 50. The dad-of-three’s family announced his death today – following his four-year fight against lung cancer.
    The presenter filmed over 200 episodes of A Place in the SunCredit: Instagram
    Jonnie with Fellow Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman
    His family revealed he passed away with a touching Instagram postCredit: Instagram
    He chose not to tell his children about his diagnosisCredit: Instagram
    The 50-year-old was given six-months to live after his diagnosis in August 2020 but determinedly defied the odds to carry on working.
    Tributes from fellow stars, friends and family are now flooding in.
    Fellow Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman posted a touching photo of the pair on Instagram – saying “the world is a little darker today.
    She added: “Jonnie, you’ve taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends.
    “I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness.
    “I’ve never known anyone as strong as you. You have done yourself, your loved ones and all of us proud.”
    Meanwhile ITV star Nicki Chapman wrote: “Heart broken. Sending love to Jess and the family.
    “And escape from the country’s Sonali Shah: I feel so lucky to have known Jonnie.”
    Most read in Showbiz
    A spokesperson for A Place in the Sun added: “We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much loved part of the A Place in the Sun family and for more than 18 years he brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show.
    “We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts today are with Jess and the boys and the rest of Jonnie’s family.”
    His death was announced on Instagram today by his family.
    The post reads: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. 
    Terminally ill A Place in the Sun star Jonnie Irwin shares huge health update as new treatments have ‘bought him months’
    “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.
    “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.”
    The Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country star had previously told The Sun of his sorrow at not being able to see his children grow up.
    He said last March: “I think they’re not going to remember me, they’re really not.
    “They’re too young and if I die this year there’s no chance they will have memories. And someone else is going to bring them up.
    “I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
    Jonnie revealed how he was left heartbroken after being ditched as a presenter for A Place in the Sun after 18 years.
    The firm behind the show Freeform Productions claimed it couldn’t cover Jonnie’s travel because of his cancer.
    It led him to keep his cancer secret for two years, fearful he would lose more work.
    Wife Jess, 41, was left devastated by her husband’s illness but told of his will to live for her and the boys
    She previously said: “He’s stubborn and determined and he’s a scrapper.
    “If I ever think about the reality it absolutely breaks my heart, for the boys and for Jonnie.
    “It’s just very unfair and I’m angry at how much it’s ruined the last couple of years, how much it’s taken away from us enjoying having a new family.
    Jonathan James Irwin was born in November 1973 and grew up on a small farm in the village of Bitteswell, Leicestershire.
    He attended Lutterworth Grammar School and went on to get a degree in estate management at Birmingham City University.
    LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS Experts at Cancer Research UK warn there are nine common symptoms of the disease.

    Having a cough most of the time
    Having a change in a cough you have had for a long time – it may sound different or be painful when you cough
    Getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
    Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
    Having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
    Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better
    Losing your appetite
    Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
    Losing weight

    Jonnie worked for Christie & Co as a business transfer specialist, then joined commercial real estate firm Colliers
    A keen sportsman, he played rugby for local union clubs Lutterworth RFC Rugby Lions RFC before he broke his back, taking six months to recover.
    In 2004 he and co-star Jasmine Harman fought off hundreds of applicants to land presenting roles on A Place in the Sun.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    He also presented BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.
    Jonnie met wife Jess through mutual friends in summer 2015 and both said they knew they had met ‘The One’.
    The star had bravely spoken about his battle with cancerCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Jonnie Irwin revealed heartbreaking message for his three young children in moving interview before his death

    JONNIE Irwin shared a heartbreaking message he would be leaving for his three children in an emotional interview before his death. The A Place In The Sun star, who has died age 50 from lung cancer, shared three small boys with his wife Jessica.
    Jonnie Irwin leaves behind three young boysCredit: instagram
    He shared his lasting message for them before he died
    Last summer, Jonnie opened up about his terminal diagnosis and the wise words he would be leaving behind for his boys.
    He told HELLO! magazine: “I want them to believe they can do anything… I want them to be confident, but believe in yourselves, because you can do anything… I’ve seen their capabilities and they’re boundless.”
    Jonnie’ message to his sons read: “Family first, always look after your family. Your brothers, your mother… Put them first. Support them, love them, and know that they’re so much more important than anyone else.”
    He went on to tell them that they should ‘believe in themselves’, as ‘they can do anything’.
    READ MORE ON JONNIE IRWIN
    Jonnie leaves behind his wife Jessica and sons Rex, four, and three-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
    He was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020, a week after filming A Place In The Sun in Italy.
    Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain and Jonnie revealed in 2022 he had just six months to live.
    Today (Friday February 2) his family revealed he has passed away.
    Most read in Showbiz
    Among the tributes, A Place In The Sun has now released an official statement, saying the cast and crew for the Channel 4 show are “heartbroken”.
    It read: “We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much-loved part of the A Place In The Sun family and for more than 18 years be brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show. We will mis him terribly. Our thoughts today are with Jess and the boys and the rest of Jonnie’s family.”
    Jonnie presented on A Place In The Sun for 18 years.
    His co-star Jasmine Harman has, meanwhile, spoken in glowing terms of her late friend and her admiration for him in the wake of his death.
    She wrote on Instagram: “Jonnie, you’ve taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends. I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness. I’ve never known anyone as strong as you. You have done yourself, your loved ones and all of us proud.
    “The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you. My partner in crime, my OG co-presenter – Jonnie, I will miss you.”
    Jonnie, who also hosted on Escape To The Country, never shied away from the gruelling treatment he was having to endure.
    The brave star kept fans updated on social media and was photographed one week ago in a hospital gown.
    Exhausted Jonnie snapped the selfie before an MRI scan and admitted he looked as though he ‘hadn’t slept for six nights’.
    Announcing his tragic death, Jonnie’s family wrote on Instagram tonight: “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.
    “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.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    “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 presented on A Place In The Sun for 18 years
    He filmed more than 200 episodes of the show
    He was pictured last week before an MRI scanCredit: INSTAGRAM
    Keep up to date with the latest news, gossip and scandals on our celebrity live blog More

  • in

    Jonnie Irwin dead aged 50: A Place in the Sun star dies after gruelling cancer battle

    A PLACE in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50.Jonnie, 50, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 – a week after filming the popular show in Italy.
    Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50Credit: NNP
    Jonnie with his wife Jessica and three children Rex (middle) and twins Rafa and CormacCredit: North News and Pictures
    The presenter filmed over 200 episodes of A Place in the SunCredit: Instagram
    His family revealed he passed away with a touching Instagram postCredit: Instagram
    Tragically, the cancer spread to his brain as Jonnie revealed in 2022 he had just six months to live.
    Today his family revealed he has passed away.
    A statement posted on Instagram reads: “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.
    “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 was born in 1973 and grew up on a small farm in the village of Bitteswell, Leicestershire.
    Most read in Showbiz
    He attended Birmingham City University where he gained a degree in Estate Management.
    Jonnie began his career at business transfer specialists Christie & Co where he became an associate director after just three years.
    Terminally ill A Place in the Sun star Jonnie Irwin shares huge health update as new treatments have ‘bought him months’
    In 2004, he was selected among thousands of applicants to present A Place in the Sun on Channel 4.
    He filmed over 200 episodes as he helped British house hunters achieve their dream of buying a place abroad.
    The gig helped put Jonnie on the presenting map and he went on to front BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.
    He also hosted Escape to the Perfect Town and Sky1 show Dream Lives for Sale in 2011, which saw him help people leave their lives in the UK behind to set up a business.
    Despite his glittering career in TV, Jonnie still worked as an adviser to clients on business and property and ran a consultancy agency.
    He also wrote a regular column for A Place in the Sun magazine and gave presentations at the show’s live events.
    But after he was diagnosed with cancer, Jonnie claimed bosses dropped him from the show.
    He told The Sun that Freeform Productions “paid me off for the rest of the season and didn’t renew my contract” after the company claimed they could not get insurance.
    Jonnie added: “I’ve been a presenter, then I wasn’t a presenter for A Place in the Sun after 18 years. And then I turn the TV on, and there’s someone else doing my job.
    “To have that taken away, to have that wage taken away, to have that to have that purpose taken away…If having cancer wasn’t bad enough…I was really low.
    “That really affected me. I can’t even watch the show now.
    Jonnie leaves behind wife Jess, his eldest son Rex, and twins Rafa and Cormac, born in June 2020.
    He told The Sun of his sorrow at not being able to see his children grow up.
    He said in March: “I think they’re not going to remember me, they’re really not.
    “They’re too young and if I die this year there’s no chance they will have memories. And someone else is going to bring them up.
    “I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
    WARNING SIGNS
    Jonnie also told how the first warning signs for his cancer came in 2020 when his vision went blurry during filming.
    He said within a week of flying back from Italy, he was told he had six months to live.
    Jonnie underwent chemotherapy to help prolong the prognosis as he opened up on telling his wife he was dying.
    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 married Jessica in September 2016 and the couple live in Newcastle with their three sons.
    Speaking to The Sun in March 2023, Jonnie said he had become increasingly “weak” and was left exhausted after playing football with oldest son Rex.
    The former rugby player said he always felt “sporty” but was growing increasingly frustrated at how weak he has become.
    LUNG CANCER SYMPTOMS Experts at Cancer Research UK warn there are nine common symptoms of the disease.

    Having a cough most of the time
    Having a change in a cough you have had for a long time – it may sound different or be painful when you cough
    Getting out of breath doing the things you used to do without a problem
    Coughing up phlegm (sputum) with blood in it
    Having an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder
    Chest infections that keep coming back or a chest infection that doesn’t get better
    Losing your appetite
    Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
    Losing weight

    Jonnie also recently threw an extravagant early 50th birthday party for himself with guests including co-star Jasmine Harman and ex-England cricketer Andrew Caddick.
    He said: “It was a great night. I chose a playlist with some great tunes from the 90s and 2000s and people came from all over the country and abroad.
    “I didn’t know the extent of the loyalty and generosity that my friends would exhibit. I’ve been dumbfounded and spellbound by their support, as well as that of our families, who have been amazing.
    “I just wanted to do something to celebrate my birthday and had no idea how many people would actually turn up. It was incredible.”
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    A spokesperson for A Place in the Sun said: “We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much loved part of the A Place in the Sun family and for more than 18 years he brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show.
    “We will miss him terribly. Our thoughts today are with Jess and the boys and the rest of Jonnie’s family.”
    The star had bravely spoken about his battle with cancerCredit: Instagram
    He told how the first warning signs came in 2020 during filming for A Place in the Sun
    He chose not to tell his children about his diagnosisCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    A Place In The Sun stars Laura Hamilton and Jasmine Harman look incredible in plunging dresses for glam Christmas party

    A PLACE In The Sun presenters Laura Hamilton and Jasmine Harman dazzled in sparkly dresses for a very glam Christmas party.Laura, 41, looked incredible in a £395 Nadine Merabi gold designer jumpsuit for the glitzy festive occasion.
    Laura Hamilton and Jamine Harman looked incredible in a sparkly Christmas outfitsCredit: instagram
    Laura looked incredible in a £395 Nadine Merabi gold designer jumpsuitCredit: Laura Hamilton/Instagram
    The TV favourite wore her blonde tresses in loose waves and added a pop of colour with some bright red lipstick and scarlet nails.
    While her co-star Jasmine, 48, pulled out all the stops with a stunning £89.99 Mango green sequin jumpsuit.
    She also styled her golden hair in light curls and kept her makeup neutral.
    The pair were seen beaming alongside each other as they partied the night away with their fellow co-stars.
    MORE ON A PLACE IN THE SUN
    Former A Place In The Sun host Dannie Menzies joined the gang, rocking a black crop top, sparkly black flared trousers and a Prada handbag.
    Show hosts Lucy Alexander, Sara Damergi, Ben Hillman, Craig Rowe, Lee Juggurnauth and Jean Johansson were also seen letting their hair down on Friday night.
    They appeared in good spirits as they smiled for a group photo while sipping on glasses of bubbly.
    Last month it was revealed that the popular property programme would be getting a spin-off.
    Most read in Showbiz
    The property experts are tasked with finding the perfect home in a sunny country for Brits looking to move abroad.
    Now 22 years on from the reality programme kicking off, presenters will check in on the families who have relocated.
    Two seasons of the spin-off show have already been commissioned, and it will be called A Place in the Sun What Happened Next?
    The property experts paying a visit to previous participants on the show include audience favourites such as Laura Hamilton, Jean Johansson, and Danni Menzies.
    Amanda Lamb will also make a reappearance as she pops in on Mike and Fiona from Derbyshire who she helped find a holiday home in France.
    Curious viewers will get a glimpse of what life is like in warmer climates, and see whether those who made the big move are happy with their dream homes.
    Channel 4’s Jo Street said: “A Place in the Sun is such a beloved show, and we know the audience really cares what happens to the house-hunters once the cameras leave.
    “What a treat to catch up and see what happened when that offer was finally accepted.”
    The Channel 4 presenters partied the night away on FridayCredit: Instagarm/@saradamergi More