Who Was Jonnie Irwin? Age, Wife, Children, Parents, Height, Death Cause, Biography, and More
Jonnie Irwin (born 18 November 1973 – died 2 February 2024, Aged: 50 years old) was a TV presenter, writer, lecturer, business and property expert who charmed millions of viewers with his shows A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country.
He passed away on 2 February 2024 at the age of 50, after a brave battle with terminal lung cancer. In this article, we will look back at his life, career, family, and legacy, and pay tribute to a remarkable man who touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit.
Early Life and Education
Jonnie Irwin was born on 18 November 1973 in Bitteswell, Leicestershire, England. He grew up on a small farm in the village, where he developed a love for nature and animals. He was educated at Lutterworth Grammar School and Community College, where he excelled in sports, especially rugby.
He obtained a degree in estate management from Birmingham City University and pursued a career in the property and business sector. His father was Irish, and he had a close bond with his family.
Jonnie Irwin Wiki/Bio
| Name | Jonnie Irwin |
| Birth Name | Jonathan James Irwin |
| Birth Date | 18 November 1973 |
| Birth Place | Bitteswell, Leicestershire, England |
| Death Date | 2 February 2024 |
| Death Place | Newcastle upon Tyne, England |
| Death Cause | Lung cancer |
| Occupation | TV presenter, writer, lecturer, business and property expert |
| Spouse | Jessica Holmes (m. 2016–2024) |
| Children | Rex, Rafa, Cormac |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
| Weight | 71 kilograms (156 pounds) |
| Body Measurement | 38-36-15 inches |
| Net Worth | $5 million (estimated) |
| Known for | Presenting A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country |
| jonnieirwintv | |
| Wikipedia | Jonnie_Irwin |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career and Achievements
Irwin worked for business transfer specialists Christie & Co, becoming an associate director within three years, before going on to work for Colliers International. In 2004, he was selected from hundreds of applicants along with co-presenter Jasmine Harman to present Channel 4’s show A Place in the Sun – Home or Away, and filmed over 200 episodes all around Britain. The program, which helps people find their dream homes abroad, is also broadcast daily on More4, Discovery Real Time, and Discovery Travel & Living, as well as channels throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
Jonnie also presented episodes of BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy, where he helped people find their ideal rural retreats or urban properties in the UK. He also presented the spin-off to Escape to the Country, Escape to the Perfect Town, where he showcased the best towns and cities to live in. In January 2011, Sky 1 broadcast Jonnie Irwin’s show called Dream Lives for Sale, which saw him help people leave behind their lives in the UK and buy a business abroad. In late 2011, he began a new series, The Renovation Game, which aired on weekday mornings on Channel 4, where he helped homeowners transform their properties and increase their value.
Irwin was not only a TV presenter, but also a writer, lecturer, business, and property expert. He wrote a regular column for A Place in the Sun magazine, where he gave tips and advice for buying property abroad. He appeared at A Place in the Sun Live, giving presentations on his expertise and experience. He also regularly hosted seminars and corporate events and ran his own property and business consultancy. He was respected and admired by his colleagues and clients for his professionalism, knowledge, and charisma.
Net Worth and Income Sources
According to some sources, Jonnie Irwin’s net worth was estimated at around $5 million. His main source of income was from his career as a TV presenter, and business and property expert. Irwin had a successful career that earned him some luxurious lifestyles and some fancy cars. He was one of the richest and most influential TV presenters in the United Kingdom.
Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Jonnie Irwin’s height was about 5 feet 9 inches (around 1.75 meters) and his weight was approximately 71 kilograms (around 156 pounds). His body measurement was 38-36-15 inches.
Personal Life and Family
Jonnie was a keen sportsman, who played rugby for Lutterworth RFC and then for Rugby Lions RFC, until an accident in a sevens tournament in which he broke his back and subsequently retired. He was also passionate about travel, culture, and music, and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He married Jessica Holmes in September 2016, and they had three sons: Rex, who is three years old, and twins Rafa and Cormac, who are two years old. He and his family moved to the Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted in 2018, and then to the Newcastle upon Tyne area.
Jonnie Irwin was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 after the disease had spread from his lungs to his brain. He kept his illness private for two years until he decided to go public with his diagnosis in November 2022, in the hope of inspiring others to “make the most of every day”. He said at the time: “It’s got to the point now where it feels like I’m carrying a dirty secret, it’s become a monkey on my back. I hope that by shaking that monkey off, 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.” He also said that he wanted to film his remaining time with his family so that his children would remember him.
Irwin continued to work on Escape to the Country while battling his cancer with medication, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. He also fulfilled his wish of celebrating his 50th birthday with his family in Spain, in March 2023. He shared his journey and his gratitude with his fans on his Instagram account, where he received an outpouring of love and support. He passed away peacefully on 2 February 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
Wife and Kids
Jonnie married Jessica Holmes in September 2016, and they had three sons: Rex, who was three years old, and twins Rafa and Cormac, who were two years old. He and his family moved to the Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted in 2018, and then to the Newcastle upon Tyne area.
Not much is known about Jessica, as she steered clear from social media, except when Jonnie shared sweet posts about his family life or adventures with his wife. Jessica was thought to be from Newcastle.
Rex was born on Christmas Day in 2018. The couple announced the news on Instagram with a sweet festive post, writing: “Merry Christmas! Hope you had a great day- we spent all morning unwrapping this fella. No name yet but at 8.8 pounds he’s already making an impression. Mum and baby doing well”
Death Cause
Jonnie Irwin was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 after the disease had spread from his lungs to his brain. He kept his illness private for two years until he decided to go public with his diagnosis in November 2022, in the hope of inspiring others to “make the most of every day”, to help them see that “you can live a positive life, even though you are dying”. He passed away peacefully on 2 February 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
He said at the time: “It’s got to the point now where it feels like I’m carrying a dirty secret, it’s become a monkey on my back. I hope that by shaking that monkey off, 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.” He also said that he wanted to film his remaining time with his family so that his children would remember him.
Legacy and Tributes
Irwin’s death was announced on his Instagram account, with a statement that read: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Jonnie’s passing. A truly remarkable soul, he fought bravely against cancer with unwavering strength and courage. Jonnie touched the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth, and infectious spirit. At this time, we kindly ask for the privacy of Jonnie’s family as they navigate through this profound loss.
Their grief is immeasurable, and your thoughts, prayers, and support are deeply appreciated. As we remember the beautiful moments shared with Jonnie, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will forever be etched in our hearts. Jonnie may be gone from our sight, but his love, laughter, and memories will live on. Rest in peace, dear Jonnie. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.”
Controversies
Jonnie Irwin faced some controversies in his career, especially after revealing his cancer diagnosis. He accused A Place in the Sun producers of axing him as presenter after 18 years due to his cancer diagnosis, leaving his mood “really low”. He said that he was “paid off” and failed to renew his contract after he told them he had cancer. He said that he felt “betrayed” and “angry” by the decision and that he had to watch someone else doing his job on TV.
He also faced some unfortunate setbacks in his renovation project, which he had started amid his terminal cancer battle. He said that he had “run into problems” with his planning permission and that he had to wait for another six months to get approval. He said that he was “frustrated” and “disappointed” by the delay, and that he wanted to finish the project before he died.
He also received some criticism from some viewers who accused him of being “rude” and “patronizing” to some of the property hunters on his shows. Some of them said that he was “too opinionated” and “pushy” with his suggestions and that he did not listen to the preferences of the buyers. Some of them also said that he was “biased” towards certain locations or types of properties.
