Jasmine Harman says it’s still difficult to talk about her A Place in the Sun co-host Jonnie Irwin after he tragically lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.
Television presenter Jonnie died aged 50 in early February after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
Co-presenters Jasmine, 48, and Jonnie were hired together in 2004, meeting during a pilot shoot in South Africa.
While broadcaster Jasmine has many happy memories of working on the show over the last two decades, she says she’s still not over the death of her friend Jonnie.
She told the Mirror: ‘I’m so proud to have been part of A Place in the Sun for 20 years. It has been life changing in so many ways.
Jasmine Harman says it’s still difficult to talk about her A Place in the Sun co-host Jonnie Irwin after he tragically lost his battle with cancer earlier this year
Television presenter Jonnie died aged 50 in early February after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020 (Jasmine and Jonnie pictured)
‘I met my husband (a cameraman) Jon on the programme, we’ve got two children, Joy, nine, and Albion, seven, now and I feel proud to be able to show people that anything is possible.
‘But [reaching this landmark] has also been very bittersweet. I still find it very hard even talking about Jonnie. It’s still very raw.’
Following Jonnie’s death Jasmine took a break from Instagram, but she returned last month to mark 20 years of A Place in the Sun.
Jasmine dedicated her milestone post to her ‘very special friend’ Jonnie, admitting the thought of celebrating the anniversary had left her ‘choked up’ .
Sharing a variety of pictures of herself and Jonnie, Jasmine wrote: ‘I recently passed the 20 year anniversary of my first ever shoot on A Place in the Sun.
‘Two decades ago, my career turned onto a different path which has shaped so many factors of my life until now. From meeting my husband, having our children, moving to Spain, to making so many wonderful friends over the years.
‘In particular, one very special friend…’
Jasmine continued: ‘Jonnie and I started our Television careers together, which makes the 20 year anniversary especially poignant.
A Place in the Sun co-hosts Jasmine, 48, and Jonnie were hired together in 2004 and met during a pilot shoot in South Africa
Following Jonnie’s death Jasmine took a break from Instagram, but she returned last month to mark two decades since joining the programme
‘Without him, I have not really felt like celebrating. I’ve been pretty choked up about posting anything about it to be honest.
‘I miss him. He was always full of fun and mischief, it doesn’t seem possible that he is gone.
‘In Jonnie’s memory, I give you a snippet of the last 20 years. What an honour to work with someone so vibrant and fun.
‘Thank you Jonnie for the memories, sending love as always to Jonnie’s family and loved ones.’
Jonnie’s wife Jessica Holmes announced his death on social media on February 2, and described her beloved partner, with whom she shares sons Rex, four, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac, as a ‘truly remarkable husband’.
The TV host revealed in November 2022 that his cancer had spread to his brain after first being diagnosed with the disease in 2020 – a week after filming the popular Channel 4 show in Italy.
Sharing a montage of pictures of herself and Jonnie, Jasmine wrote: ‘I recently passed the 20 year anniversary of my first ever shoot on A Place in the Sun’
Shortly after news of his death was announced in February, Jasmine shared some heartfelt words on social media
Jasmine and Jonnie presented A Place In The Sun alongside one another from 2004 to 2019
Shortly after news of his death was announced, Jasmine shared some heartfelt words on social media.
Sharing a picture of them looking off towards a sunset, she wrote: ‘Jonnie Irwin – I will always remember the first time I heard your name. When I was doing a screen test for a new show, they said ‘we definitely want Jonnie, but we need to find another presenter’. I wondered who this mysterious Jonnie was. We met in Cape Town, filming the pilot. You we’re so charismatic and energetic, so confident and fun. I understood immediately why they had to have you.
‘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.
‘To begin our TV careers together was a pleasure and a privilege I will be eternally grateful for. Almost twenty years ago, as two nervous new presenters (me perhaps more nervous than you!) little did we know we know about the adventure we were about to embark on, and the friends we would become.
‘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.
While Jasmine lost her friend and co-host Jonnie, she has happy memories of A Place in the Sun after meeting her cameraman husband Jon Boast on the show (Jon and Jasmine pictured with their children Joy, nine, and Albion, seven)
‘Life is simply not fair. We can’t reason with it; there are no answers to the question Why?
‘We can, in your memory learn to cherish every hug, every conversation, every moment, for the priceless time we have. Enjoy every breath, every sunrise and sunset, never take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised.
‘Jonnie, you’ve taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends. 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.
‘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.’
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