What type of cancer did Jonnie Irwin have? Cause of death explained

A PLACE In The Sun star Jonnie Irwin passed away following a gruelling battle with cancer.

In November 2022, the dad-of-three told fans about his diagnosis with the incurable disease.

Who was Jonnie Irwin?

Jonnie Irwin was a presenter, and business and property expert born on November 18, 1973.

He passed away in February 2024, aged 50.

Jonnie posed for a photograph while wearing a hospital gown just days before his death.

The popular star also shared a heartbreaking message he would be leaving for his three children.

Prior to his illness, he gained a degree from Birmingham City University in Estate Management.

He was best known for fronting A Place In The Sun, and had hosted the show since 2004.

Jonnie also presented episodes of BBC property shows Escape To The Country and wrote a regular column for A Place In The Sun magazine.

What type of cancer did Jonnie Irwin have?

In November 2022, Jonny revealed he has terminal lung cancer, and only months to live.

The keen sportsman had chosen to keep his illness private, but had revealed how he was making as many memories as possible with wife Jessica Holmes, who he married in 2016, and their three young sons - Rex, and twins Rafa and Cormac.

Jonnie told magazine: "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."

The Escape To The Country host bravely added: "I don’t know how long I have left, but I try to stay positive and my attitude is that I'm living with cancer, not dying from it.

"I set little markers – things I want to be around for. I got into the habit of saying: 'Don't plan ahead because I might not be well enough.'

"But now I want to make plans.

"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."

Speaking exclusively to The Sun he said: “As soon as people find out you’ve got cancer they write you off.

"Yes, I have stage four and it’s terminal — but not yet, so let me live my life while I can.

“As soon as I told A Place In The Sun about my diagnosis they paid me for the rest of the season but didn’t renew my contract. They knew I wanted to carry on.

“That hurt. That broke my heart. I feel hugely let down. I can’t even watch the show now.”

When did Jonnie Irwin become ill?

Jonnie discovered he had cancer - which has spread to his brain - a week after filming A Place In The Sun in Italy in August 2020.

One of the show's longest-running presenters, he joined alongside Jasmine Harman in 2004 and had been filming up until April 2022.

He was told then that he had "six months to live" and said he has prolonged his life against the odds with cancer drugs and chemotherapy.

Jonnie compared his cancer secret to having a "monkey on his back" and said he wanted to share his story to inspire others suffering with "life-limiting prospects to make the most of every day".

He said he wanted to help people to "see that you can live a positive life, even though you are dying".

He urged people to take out life insurance, admitting it has given him some peace of mind.

He said: "That has helped so much and when I leave this planet, I'll do so knowing Jess and the boys are in a house that is fully paid off and there's a bit of money in the bank for them to live off."