TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has died aged 50, his agent has confirmed.
A statement on his Instagram account said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie's passing."
It continued, "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."
Irwin, who presented Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun and the BBC’s Escape To The Country, revealed in November 2022 that his lung cancer had spread to his brain.
Irwin 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.
"Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live," he told Hello! magazine.
"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."
Irwin defied his initial six months' odds and opened up about his story in the last months of his life to encourage others to make the most of every day.
He also offered tips on life insurance policies, encouraging others to consider taking out a critical illness policy to help cover periods you are unable to work if you become ill.
In March, he revealed he had celebrated his 50th birthday earlier than his actual November date with a big bash surrounded by 170 friends and family.
"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," he told The Sun.
"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."
A Place In The Sun has paid tribute to its former presenter via an Instagram statement that read, "We are heartbroken. Jonnie was a much-loved part of the A Place In The Sun family for more than 18 years – he brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show. We will miss him terribly."
Jasmine Harman has paid tribute to her A Place In The Sun co-star.
In an Instagram post, she said: "To begin our TV careers together was a pleasure and a privilege I will be eternally grateful for.
"Almost twenty years ago, as two nervous new presenters (me perhaps more nervous than you!) little did we know about the adventure we were about to embark on, and the friends we would become.
"Professionally, you were well suited to life in front of the lens. But for years, you always talked about wanting to settle down and become a dad.
"Your wish was granted when you met Jess. Never were you happier than in your role as husband and Dad to the most awesome three boys – you are a legend."
She added: "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."
Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica and three sons Rex, Rafa and Cormac.
Source: Press Association
