Jonnie Irwin’s co-star Jasmine Harman has reflected on life without him, one month after his death.
The A Place in the Sun presenter sadly died on February 2 at the age of 50 after previously being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Announcing the devastating news, his wife Jessica Holmes posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, writing: ‘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.’
It didn’t take long for tributes to flood in for the beloved TV star, including from Jasmine, who described him as her ‘partner in crime’.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday (March 2), Jasmine admitted she has been struggling to adjust to life without Irwin.
Alongside a smiley photo of them together, she wrote: ‘It’s been a month since we lost a very special person; someone I was lucky enough to call a friend.
‘Time has this weird habit of keeping on going when it feels like it should stop. Today I’m at A Place in the Sun Live and it is hard as Jonnie is on my mind a lot.’
She continued: ‘Over the years, we were always filming in different locations and so we most frequently got to spend time together at the A Place in the Sun Live events.
‘This photo was taken here last year in Manchester. It feels strange and sad to be here without him.’
Jasmine described her late colleague and pal as ‘such an inspiration to so many people’, adding that ‘he is missed so much.’
She concluded: ‘Thank you to all the people who have given messages of support and as always my thoughts and love are with Jonnie’s family.’
The comments section was soon filled with messages of condolence, with Laura Hamilton writing: ‘I thought of him a lot yesterday too ❤️❤️❤️ Thinking of you xxx’
In her original tribute to Irwin, Jasmine recalled the first time she met Irwin when she was doing a screen test for another new show.
She said he was ‘so charismatic and energetic, so confident and fun’ from the off, adding: ‘Your cheeky-chappy persona and naughty sense of humour always broke the ice and made people laugh.
‘Everyone warmed to you and you had the incredible ability to connect with people, making them feel like they’d known you for years.’
She also wrote lovingly: ‘Professionally, you were well suited to life in front of the lens. But for years, you always talked about wanting to settle down and become a dad. Your wish was granted when you met Jess. Never were you happier than in your role as husband and Dad to the most awesome three boys – you are a legend.’
On losing Irwin, she said ‘life is simply not fair.’
‘Jonnie, you’ve taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends,’ she penned.
‘I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness. I’ve never known anyone as strong as you. You have done yourself, your loved ones and all of us proud.’
Jasmine concluded by saying: ‘The world is a little darker today without you, but I will always smile when I think of you. My partner in crime, my OG co-presenter – Jonnie, I will miss you.’
Irwin was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020 and was previously told he has six months to live after it spread to his brain.
He defied the expectations of doctors and kept fans updated on his treatment after initially wanting to keep his diagnosis private.
The late star would regularly share a glimpse inside his antics with his young sons as they made special memories, with Rex, three, and twins Rafa and Cormac, two, unaware of their dad’s illness.
Irwin continued to speak fondly of his wife publicly up until his death, crediting her for looking after their kids.
‘I’ve started to tell Rex [his oldest son] in private conversations, “You can do anything”,’ Irwin previously said.
He poignantly noted: ‘Jess is soft, so they’ll have a softer upbringing than if I was around, probably.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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