Place in the Sun and Escape To The Country presenter Jonnie Irwin reveals he has terminal cancer

Virgin Radio

14 Nov 2022, 16:41

Channel 4's A Place In The Sun and the BBC's Escape To The Country host Jonnie Irwin has shared the devastating news he is living with terminal cancer, but wants to use his diagnosis to inspire others to 'make the most of every day'.

The father-of-three was initially diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2020 and told he only had six months to live.

Speaking about the devastating disease, which has spread to his brain, he told Hello magazine: "I don't know how long I have left."

He first became aware that something wasn't right while filming in Italy in August 2020, when his vision blurred.

The TV star explained: "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."

Having chosen to finally speak out about his illness after keeping it private, he explained: "It's got to the point now where it feels like I'm carrying a dirty secret, it's become a monkey on my back.

"I hope that by shaking that monkey off, 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."

He added: "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."

Irwin insists he is 'living with cancer, not dying from it'.

"I want to make memories and capture these moments with my family because the reality is, my boys are going to grow up not knowing their dad and that breaks my heart," he said.

Place in the Sun co-host Jasmine Harman said: "Words can't fix much, but what lovely words of support you have had here [on social media] Jonnie.

"I know you know this already, but I am here for you my dear friend, and Jess and the boys. So, so brave. Sending lots of love, speak soon."

The show's official Instagram page added: "We don't have the words, we just have love, affection and respect for our friend and colleague of so many years, the wonderful Jonnie Irwin. We're thinking of you, Jess and the boys x."