Escape to the Country fans were emotionally stirred as the BBC aired an old episode on Tuesday presented by the late Jonnie Irwin, who passed away in February at the age of 50. Jonnie had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer in 2020 and left behind his wife Jessica Holme and their three young sons. Viewers took to social media to express their sadness, remembering Jonnie for his presenting skills and optimism.
In the episode that aired, Jonnie was helping a client find a new home in North Yorkshire, with the price set at £350,000. The show was one of the last to feature Jonnie before his untimely passing. His widow, Jessica, opened up about Jonnie’s final moments and their loving marriage in a recent interview. Jessica tearfully reflected on their relationship, emphasizing that they were lovers and not just best friends, and that they had shared a passionate and joyful life together.
Jonnie, who had hosted the property show A Place In The Sun for many years, was forced to step down in 2021 due to his terminal cancer diagnosis. In the last few days of his life, Jessica cared for him at home with the help of nurses. She described his death as quick and cruel, as he passed away shortly after returning home from the hospital. Jessica shared that their oldest son, Rex, visited Jonnie before his passing and seemed to sense that something was wrong.
The couple had three sons together and were wed in 2016. Jonnie had fond memories of walking holidays with his group of friends, whom Jessica later gave some of his ashes to sprinkle on a mountain in the Lake District. The family is now searching for a special tree in Northumberland to plant in Jonnie’s honor, fulfilling his wish. Jessica expressed gratitude for the time they shared and the memories they created together, emphasizing the passion and joy that characterized their relationship.
