TV presenter Jonnie Irwin dies aged 50

TV presenter Jonnie Irwin, who appeared on property shows Escape to the Country and A Place in the Sun, has died. Irwin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2020 after the disease had spread from his lungs to his brain.

A statement on his Instagram announcing his death said he touched "the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth and infectious spirit".

Irwin was initially given six months to live, but defied the odds and made his illness public after two years. He said at the time he hoped his diagnosis would inspire people to "make the most of every day".

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie's passing," said the statement on the account he used to post updates on his health. "A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage," it added.

Freeform Productions, the production company behind A Place in the Sun, said in a statement on Twitter: "We are heartbroken Jonnie. Jonnie was a much-loved part of the A Place in the Sun family and for more than 18 years he brought joy, wit and bundles of energy to the show. We will miss him terribly."

Irwin first presented A Place in the Sun in 2004, and began hosting BBC One's Escape to the Country in 2010.