Jessica Holmes has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, TV presenter Jonnie Irwin, on the second anniversary of his passing. Jonnie, best known for presenting Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun and the BBC’s Escape to the Country, died on 2 February 2024, aged 50, after a brave battle with terminal lung cancer that had spread to his brain.
His family remembered him as someone who “fought bravely” and “touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth and infectious spirit.” Jonnie and Jessica married in 2016 and had three sons: Rex, and four-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac.
Over the years before his death, Jessica shared candid updates on Jonnie’s illness and their family’s journey with their followers. On Monday, 2 February, she posted a poignant message on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of a tree: “How has it been two years. Keep helping me as you are with the boys. I miss you my favourite,” along with a red heart and tree emoji.
Before his death, Jonnie spoke about his hopes for his sons and the legacy he wanted to leave them. In a 2023 interview with Hello!, he said he wanted them to grow up confident in themselves: “I want them to believe they can do anything. I want them to be confident, but believe in yourselves, because you can do anything… I’ve seen their capabilities and they’re boundless.”
Jonnie publicly revealed his terminal diagnosis in November 2022, explaining that sharing his illness could inspire others to “make the most of every day.” He also shared why he chose not to tell his children about the diagnosis at the time, saying: “It would be horrible news that they’d have to get their heads around. And it would confuse the hell out of Rex – he’s got a shocking enough day coming. Let’s bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible.”
Jonnie first noticed something was wrong in 2020 while filming abroad, when blurred vision prompted further tests that revealed the cancer had spread to his brain.
His openness about his illness, coupled with his positivity and courage, resonated with fans and colleagues alike. Since his passing, tributes have poured in from co-stars and viewers, highlighting Jonnie’s warmth, professionalism, and the lasting impact he had on audiences during nearly two decades on television.