Escape To The Country airs the late Jonnie Irwin episode a year after tragic death

Wales Online

25-04-2025

Escape To The Country airs the late Jonnie Irwin episode a year after tragic death
Escape to the Country aired an episode from 2021 on Friday afternoon featuring the late Jonnie Irwin.
A poignant episode of Escape to the Country featuring the late Jonnie Irwin aired on Friday afternoon, where he helped couple Phil and Amanda find their ideal home in Derbyshire.
This particular episode initially aired in 2021, a year after Jonnie received his terminal cancer diagnosis. However, he chose to keep his condition private until 2022.
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At the time of his diagnosis, Jonnie was given a prognosis of six months, but he defied medical expectations. Initially diagnosed with lung cancer, the disease later spread to his brain.
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In an appearance on BBC Morning Live, Jonnie explained his decision to keep his diagnosis private, citing his desire to maintain normalcy and continue working without being treated differently, reports Derbyshire Live.
He shared: "I've kept it a secret for two and a half years, I think some people probably guessed in later months. But I've kept it a secret until now; I just thought I wanted to get the monkey off my back and share my experiences."
Escape To The Country airs the late Jonnie Irwin episode a year after tragic death
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"These experiences hopefully will help people with a life-threatening disease and people who are dealing with these people as well."
Sadly, Jonnie passed away on February 2, 2024, at the age of 50. The news was announced on his social media, accompanied by a photo of himself with his wife, Jessica, and a heartfelt message.
It read: "In Loving Memory. It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie's passing.
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"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.
Jonnie Irwin died at the age of 50 in 2024
(Image: jonnieirwintv/instagram )
"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.
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"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 a well-known figure on television, renowned for his appearances on shows like A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country, as well as his regular appearances on Morning Live.
The late Jonnie Irwin and his wife Jessica
(Image: jonnieirwintv/instagram )
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Following his death, tributes poured in from colleagues, including Jules Hudson of Escape to the Country who hailed him as the 'life and soul' of the show.
Sharing his sentiments on social media, he remarked: "Always funny, always full of mischief, he met his diagnosis with characteristic fight and a selfless determination to do whatever he could to beat it.
"All of our thoughts are with Jonnie and his family on a day we all dared to hope would never come. Farewell old friend, I'll see you next time... with all our love, Jules."
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Escape to the Country is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.