Jonathan James Irwin (18 November 1973 – 2 February 2024[1]) was an English television presenter, writer, lecturer, businessman and property expert. He was best known for presenting the Channel 4 lifestyle programme A Place in the Sun between 2004 and 2021, as well as the BBC daytime programme Escape to the Country between 2010 and 2023.
Jonnie Irwin | |
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Born | Jonathan James Irwin 18 November 1973 Rugby, Warwickshire, England |
Died | Newcastle upon Tyne, England | 2 February 2024 (aged 50)
Occupations |
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Years active | 2004–2023 |
Known for | Presenting A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country |
Spouse | Jessica Holmes (m. 2016) |
Children | 3 |
Early life
Irwin was born on 18 November 1973 in Rugby, Warwickshire, to Avie (née Orr) and James Irwin, a property developer. He grew up on a small farm in the village of Bitteswell, Leicestershire. He was educated at Lutterworth Grammar School and Community College. He obtained a degree from Birmingham City University in estate management.[2] Irwin's father was Irish.[3]
Career
Irwin worked for business transfer specialists Christie & Co,[4] 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[5] show A Place in the Sun – Home or Away,[6][7] and filmed over 200 episodes all around Britain. The programme 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.[8] In 2022, Irwin accused A Place in the Sun producers of axing him as presenter after 18 years due to a cancer diagnosis, leaving his mood "really low".[9]
Irwin presented episodes of BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy.[10] He also presented the spin-off to Escape to the Country, Escape to the Perfect Town.[11]
In January 2011, Sky 1 broadcast Irwin's own show called Dream Lives for Sale,[12] which saw him help people leave behind their lives in the UK and buy a business. In late 2011 he began a new series, The Renovation Game, which aired on weekday mornings on Channel 4.[10]
Irwin advised clients on business and property, ranging from small high street gift shops to multimillion pound corporate hotel packages. He ran a property and business consultancy.[2]
Irwin wrote a regular column for A Place in the Sun magazine.[13] He appeared at A Place in the Sun Live[14] giving presentations on his tips for buying property abroad. Irwin also regularly hosted seminars and corporate events.[15][16]
Personal life
Irwin was a keen sportsman. He 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.[17]
Irwin married Jessica Holmes in September 2016 and they had three sons.[2] Irwin and his family moved to the Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted in 2018[18] and then to the Newcastle upon Tyne area.[19]
Illness and death
In November 2022, Irwin shared that he had terminal lung cancer,[20][21] after being diagnosed in August 2020 after experiencing blurred vision while driving. He was given six months to live.[22][23]
In an interview with Hello!, Irwin said, "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'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."[24][25] Irwin died aged 50, with his death announced on 2 February 2024.[26]