Jonnie Irwin’s widow has been flooded with support as she shared a heartbreaking message. The A Place in the Sun presenter is survived by his wife, Jessica Irwin, and their three children.
Today marks a year since Jonnie tragically died aged 50 after a battle with cancer. Jess regularly shares updates from the family’s life on Instagram and issued an update last night.
She said: “What I would do to have you here with us. Rex is just the best, the twins are hilarious. They look after me and they just remind me of you everyday. X”
Jonnie’s Escape to the Country co-host, Nicki Chapman, said: “Huge amounts of love. How proud he is of you.” Fans also took to the comments to share messages of support after the update.
Lynn said: “Awww beautiful words for sure Jonnie will be listening. You’re a very strong women a lovely mum and surrounded by love x.”
Eimear added: “You’re doing your little family proud.” Sonali said: “Your strength amazes me. They look after you and you teach us all” Jenny commented: “You must miss Jonnie terribly he was a force of nature and we only got to see him on TV but you will always have him every day your boys are part of you both.”
Jonnie’s co-host Jasmine has also taken to Instagram to pay tribute to his legacy. She said: “Dear Jonnie, I miss you. Time goes by too quickly. A year already. The hole that you left behind will never be filled. You were (and you still are) an inspiration to so so many people, myself included.
“Love and thoughts to your wonderful family and amazing friends. Someone sent me the first photo of Jonnie and I together, in Cape Town with our first ever house-hunters Inge and Robert.
“And the last photo, taken on Jonnie’s 50th birthday in Spain. 20 years of friendship between these two snaps. A million memories. Jonnie, such a fun and special and brave person. You will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts.”
Fellow A Place in the Sun presenters Danni Menzies, Craig Rowe and Lucy Alexander took to the comments and shares heart emojis as a message of support. Fans also took to the comments to pay tribute to Jonnie as they said it was so sad a year had passed since his death.
Jackie said: “A lifetime of wonderful memories will hopefully help you smile through your sadness. I can’t believe how fast that year has gone. Thoughts are with you and Jonnie’s family x”
Teresa added: “Remembering a lovely man. What a lovely, heartfelt tribute x” Another user commented: “Unbelievably heartbreaking.” Rachel said: “So sad, what a lovely man.”
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”.