A Place in the Sun left emotional over moving tribute to Jonnie Irwin

Viewers were left feeling emotional after A Place in the Sun paid tribute to presenter Jonnie Irwin. who passed away from cancer on Friday.

Irwin, who was 50, had presented the popular property TV show since 2004. He had also hosted Escape to the Country since 2010.

The broadcaster and father of three, who helped British property hunters find their dream homes, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2022.

The show which returned to Channel 4 on Monday (5 February) followed househunters through five properties in Manilva in Spain, and was presented by Danni Menzies.

An announcement before the programme said the episode would be dedicated to the presenter’s memory.

A tribute rolled after the credits with an image of Irwin alongside a message saying “In memory of Jonnie Irwin 1973-2024”.

One viewer, Luce Grocott, said on X/Twitter: “Choking back tears at seeing Jonnie Irwin on his final show, and the tribute at the end! Rest well now Jonnie you fought the hard fight”.

(Channel 4)

It comes as Escape the Country also paid homage to the late presenter, who was a favourite among fans, with a montage of his highlights on the show.

Also on Monday Monday, an episode he had hosted on the BBC One programme aired, which showed Irwin helping a retired couple find a house in Somerset so they could make the move from Reading.

At the end, clips of Irwin surfing, playing baseball and sitting on a moving model train were shown.

(Channel 4)

In one of the clips he was heard saying “I love this job sometimes”, and in another he joked: “It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it.”

At the end an image of Irwin popped on to the screen alongside his name and the dates 1973 – 2024.

Gary Rowe, a viewer who has been watching Irwin’s property shows for over 20 years, said on X: “It was like watching a close friend, even though I never met him.”

Rob Unsworth, Head of BBC Daytime and Early Peak Commissioning, also paid tribute to Jonnie Irwin, calling him “an extraordinary man and wonderful presenter”.

The news of his death was announced on Friday (2 February) on the presenter’s Instagram account.

“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,” the moving post read alongside a photo of Irwin and his wife Jessica Holmes.

“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.”