'My boys will grow up not knowing their dad': A Place in the Sun star Jonnie Irwin, 48, reveals he has months to live after devastating cancer diagnosis and shares 'heartbreak' at leaving behind his wife Jessica, 40, and their three young sons

Jonnie Irwin, star of Escape to the Country and A Place in the Sun, has revealed that he has secretly been battling terminal cancer and was given six months to live two years ago - sparking grief amongst co-presenters and fans.

The married father-of-three children, son Rex, three, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac, said he hoped sharing his diagnosis would inspire others to 'make the most of every day'.

The 48-year-old former estate agent's TV career began in 2004 when he was selected from hundreds of applicants to co-present Channel 4's A Place in the Sun with Jasmine Harman. In 2010 he won even more fans by becoming a regular host of Escape to the Country on BBC1.

Last night he revealed he has been fighting lung cancer that had tragically spread to his brain. He told Hello magazine: 'I'm carrying a dirty secret – it's become a monkey on my back. 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.' 

Jonnie was diagnosed with cancer while filming Channel 4's A Place In The Sun in Italy 2020. He had been driving when his vision became blurred and doctors discovered he was terminally ill. Cancer drugs and chemotherapy have helped prolong his life.

Leicestershire-born Jonnie is being supported by his wife Jessica, 40. He said: 'Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live. 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.'

The couple live with their three children in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire.  Jonnie said he had chosen to keep his illness private until now. His case is reminiscent of Dame Deborah James' battle with bowel cancer, which she chose to make public to raise awareness and funds for research.

He said: 'I might inspire people who are living with life-limiting prospects to make the most of every day, to help them see that you can live a positive life, even though you are dying. One day, this is going to catch up with me, but I'm doing everything I can to hold that day off for as long as possible.

'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.'

He has also urged people to get life insurance, which he finally decided to do when his twins were born. He told Hello: '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.'

Jonnie appeared on A Place In the Sun from 2004 until last year and was its longest serving presenter, alongside co-star Jasmine Harman, who is still with the show. 

The Channel 4 series has lasted for 462 episodes since first airing on British screens in September 2000 and still rakes in some 472,000 viewers a week, according to recent figures. 

After Irwin shared his diagnosis on Instagram, Harman wrote: 'Words can't fix much, but what lovely words of support you have had here Jonnie. I know you know this already, but I am here for you my dear friend, and Jess and the boys. So, so brave. Sending lots of love. Speak soon.' 

He first appeared on Escape to the Country in 2010.

Jonnie's social media was inundated with well wishes and messages of support in the wake of the news. 

After news of Jonnie's condition broke on Instagram, friends and colleagues rushed to offer their support. 

Ex-Homes Under The Hammer presenter Lucy Alexander added: 'Jonnie. I get so much joy watching you & your boys on here. You're one hellava flippin amazeballs presenter and I'm sending so soooo much love & strength.'

Escape To The Country's Nicki Chapman wrote: 'Love you guys so much,' while another user posted: 'Jonnie I am so so sorry to hear your news... Life is so cruel, to the nicest of people. I send you all our love to you and your family.'

Others chipped in: 'Sending you and your beautiful family so much love and strength. 

'Thank you for sharing your news, I'm sure that many people who are in a similar situation will draw strength and inspiration from you.'

Jonnie has continued to work as much as possible, while undergoing bouts of chemotherapy and other treatments.

He was initially set on keeping his diagnosis between a very select group of people, but now has decided to share his experiences and explain the ordeal for others to learn from. 

'One day, this is going to catch up with me, but I'm doing everything I can to hold that day off for as long as possible,' Irwin said

Jonnie Irwin (pictured with his eldest son Rex) told Hello Magazine this month: '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 frm 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'

Viewers said they were 'devastated' and 'heartbroken to learn of Irwin's diagnosis, describing him as a 'very natural, likeable fella' and a 'lovely man with a beautiful family'

Debbie Johnston credited Irwin with helping her find a place to live out her retirement, praising him as the 'top of your game and so very engaging'

'This is heartbreaking. I've watched Jonnie on A Place In the Sun as long as I can remember,' tweeted Laura

Jonnie's heartbreaking story is reminiscent of presenter Dame Deborah James' battle with bowel cancer, which the mother-of-two sadly lost on June 28 this year.

The journalist, 40, was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2016, going on to host You, Me and the Big C podcast on BBC Radio 5 Live about her struggles with her illness.

Back in May, Dame Deborah was given just days to live. But she fought her way through another two full months, defying the odds to spend her final weeks with her children and husband out of hospital.

She had an incredibly peaceful death, her husband Sebastien said.

'People who didn't know Debs saw her getting weaker and weaker in those final weeks,' he said. 'But mentally it was the opposite.

'Through battling the fires of adversity she got stronger and in my eyes, it made her more and more radiant with every passing day. I've never loved her more.

'She knew what was happening to her, yet she was able to still find those magical moments.'

He said he was in awe of what his wife had achieved while dealing with such emotional anguish.

In the months leading up to her death, Deborah had Prince William over for tea, who made her a Dame.

Living life on her own terms despite her illness, she designed Charity T-shirts a clothing line to raise millions more for her 'Bowelbabe' fund.

-daily mail