In a deeply moving and candid revelation, beloved property expert Jonnie Irwin has publicly addressed his abrupt departure from the BBC's Escape to the Country, confirming that the decision was not his own. The presenter, who is courageously battling terminal lung cancer, shared that the corporation simply chose not to renew his contract.
The 50-year-old father-of-three, who also fronts Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, received his devastating diagnosis in 2020. Doctors initially gave him just six months to live. He made the brave decision to go public with his illness in November 2022, wanting to make the most of the time he has left with his wife, Jessica, and their three young sons.
A Career Cut Short
Irwin had been a fixture on Escape to the Country since 2004, helping countless house hunters find their dream rural home. His sudden absence from the show had been a source of much speculation amongst its loyal viewers until now.
Speaking with the Daily Express, Irwin set the record straight, stating matter-of-factly, "I don't know why they did it. And I don't know why they've not made a statement. All I know is I was diagnosed with cancer and I've not been on it since." He revealed that his contract was not renewed for the latest series, a decision that came from the producers themselves.
Focusing on Family and Future Projects
Despite this professional setback, Irwin's fighting spirit remains undimmed. He is channelling his energy into new independent projects and, most importantly, into creating a lasting legacy for his family. He has been documenting his journey and family life on his Instagram account, where he shares heartfelt moments with his 213,000 followers.
"I'd have liked to have carried on. I really enjoyed it. But they didn't renew my contract. And since then, I've moved on," he stated, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of immense personal and professional challenges.
