A Place In The Sun viewers were left in tears as the show paid a special tribute to host Jonnie Irwin following his death aged 50.
Jonnie passed away on Friday after a brave three-year battle with cancer after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020.
The presenter hosted the real estate show from 2004 until 2021, when he was forced to step down due to his terminal cancer diagnosis.
The show, in which Danni helped Menzies find an apartment in Manilva, Spain, was initially dedicated to Jonnie.
The show also aired a tribute after the credits with a photo showing a younger Jonnie on the beach from one of the trips abroad.
A Place In The Sun viewers were left in tears as the show paid a special tribute to host Jonnie Irwin following his death aged 50
The show where Danni helped Menzies find a place to live in Manilva, Spain was dedicated to Jonnie at the beginning of the show and this tribute was broadcast at the end
It read: “In memory of Jonnie Irwin.” 1973 – 2004.'
Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to say they were “holding back tears” as both “A Place In The Sun” and “Escape To The Country” remembered Jonnie with special episodes.
They wrote: “I held back tears watching Jonnie Irwin in his final show and receiving the tribute at the end!” Rest well Jonnie, you've fought the hard battle.
“I'm sorry to hear of the death of TV presenter #JonnieIrwin last Friday.” He seemed like a real bloke. Was on #C4 #APlaceInTheSun for a few years. Rest in peace.'
“beautiful homage! Such a delightful presenter. Thoughts with his nearest and dearest.'
“I hope they show some clips of Jonnie at the end of the show.” A Place in the Sun. REST IN PEACE'.
“I'm sorry to hear of the death of TV presenter #JonnieIrwin last Friday.” He seemed like a real bloke. Was on C4 A Place In The Sun for a few years. Rest in peace.'
The real estate expert began by presenting what was then called “A Place In The Sun: Home Or Away?” with Jasmine Harman in 2004 and beat hundreds of applicants to get the job.
The presenter hosted the real estate show from 2004 until 2021, when he was forced to step down due to his terminal cancer diagnosis
Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to say they were “holding back tears” as both “A Place In The Sun” and “Escape To The Country” remembered Jonnie with special episodes
Viewers were left in tears as Escape To The Country honored host Jonnie, also on Monday
He has directed more than 200 episodes. In 2022, he hit out at producers when his contract was not renewed following his diagnosis which “broke his heart”.
After his diagnosis in 2020, he kept his battle with cancer secret for two years because he feared his other work would be canceled.
Channel 4 and Freeform said they had been “unable to secure insurance cover” for him to continue his international filming amid the Covid-19 crisis.
A Place In The Sun shared a tribute on Instagram following his death.
Underneath an image from the station, a message read: “Jonnie Irwin 1973 – 2024. We are heartbroken.” Jonnie was a beloved part of the A Place in the Sun family for more than 18 years – bringing joy, humor and plenty Energy into the show.
“We will miss him terribly.” “Our thoughts are with Jess and the boys and the rest of the family.”
Host Jasmine shared a picture of them looking towards the sunset and wrote: “Jonnie Irwin – I will always remember the first time I heard your name.” As I was doing a screen test for a new show , they said: “We definitely want Jonnie, but we need to find another presenter.”
“I was wondering who this mysterious Jonnie is. We met in Cape Town, where we shot the pilot. They are so charismatic and energetic, so confident and funny. I immediately understood why they had to have you.
Host Jasmine shared a picture of them looking towards the sunset and wrote: “Without you the world is a little bleaker today but I will always smile when I think of you. 'My partner in crime'
The TV presenter leaves behind his wife Jessica Holmes and their four sons Rex and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac
“Your cheeky, cheerful nature and cheeky sense of humor always broke the ice and made people laugh.” Everyone liked you and you had the incredible ability to connect with people and make them feel like knowing you for years.
“Starting our television career together has been a joy and a privilege for which I will be forever grateful.” Almost twenty years ago, as two nervous new presenters (me perhaps more nervous than you!), we barely knew anything about the adventure knew what lay ahead and the friends we would become.
“Professionally, you were ideally suited to life in front of the lens. But you've talked for years about wanting to settle down and become a father. Your wish came true when you met Jess. You have never been happier than in your role as husband and father to the three greatest boys – you are a legend.
“Life just isn’t fair.” We can’t argue with that; There are no answers to the question “Why?”
“We can learn in your memory to appreciate every hug, every conversation, every moment in the priceless time we have.” Enjoy every breath, every sunrise and sunset, never take anything for granted, because tomorrow is no promise.
“Jonnie, you have taught me so much during our time as work colleagues and as good friends.” I have never admired you more than in recent years as you have faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody courage. I have never known anyone as strong as you. You have made yourself, your loved ones and all of us proud.
“The world is a little bleaker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you.” “My partner in crime, my OG co-host – Jonnie, I will miss you.”
The TV presenter leaves behind his wife Jessica Holmes and their four sons Rex and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
From Lutterworth to Lanzarote: How former estate agent Jonnie Irwin's TV career took off after beating hundreds to present A Place in the Sun
TV presenter Jonnie Irwin has revealed he has terminal cancer and said he hopes sharing his terminal cancer diagnosis will inspire others to “make the most of every day”.
Jonnie Irwin was born in 1973, grew up in Bitteswell, Leicestershire and attended Lutterworth Grammar School and community college before becoming an estate agent.
In 2004, Irwin, along with co-host Jasmine Harman, was selected from hundreds of applicants to host Channel 4's show A Place In The Sun – Home Or Away. The real estate program was a surprise success and widespread. Irwin also regularly presents the BBC's Escape To The Country and To Buy Or Not To Buy.
In January 2011, Sky 1 aired Irwin's own show called Dream Lives for Sale, in which he helped people leave their lives in the UK to buy their dream business.
Later that year he started a new series, The Renovation Game, which aired weekday mornings on Channel 4.
Outside of his legal practice, he also works as commercial director for Judicare, which describes itself as a “specialist law firm providing its clients with legal advice on all matters relating to real estate abroad”.
Irwin married Jessica Holmes in September 2016. They have three sons together and lived in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire before moving to Newcastle.
On November 13, Irwin was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He told Hello magazine: “I don't know how long I have left but I'm trying to stay positive and my attitude is that I'm living with the cancer, not dying from it.”