I'm A Celeb's Scarlette Douglas won't be told co-star Jonnie Irwin is dying
Topics: Im A Celebrity, Celebrity
Anish Vij
Featured Image Credit: ITV / Instagram
Topics: Im A Celebrity, Celebrity
I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!'s Scarlette Douglas won't be made aware of co-star Jonnie Irwin's terminal cancer diagnosis.
Douglas and Irwin spent six years together on A Place in the Sun and her PR said she there would be 'a sense of shock and sadness' when she learns the news upon leaving the jungle.
Irwin, best known for presenting the Channel 4 show, has been told that he has just months to live.
Advert
Speaking about the impact it will have on co-star Douglas, her friend told MailOnline: "Scarlette will be absolutely devastated. She knew Jonnie had not been well but had no indication he's only got months to live.
"They're good mates and have known each other for years, it's just so sad. As soon as she's out and is told, Scarlette will be straight on the phone to him."
Douglas' PR told Tyla: "Yes it’s true that Scarlette knows Jonnie is unwell, but is not aware that his situation is as bad as has been reported in the last 24 hours or so.
"I know that she holds him in high regard as he was a help to her when she first started working on the show and she’s told me that he was always friendly and welcoming whenever they met since.
"There will definitely be a sense of shock and sadness when she hears the news upon leaving the jungle."
The ITV presenter shared the heartbreaking news with his fans, despite initially deciding to keep it a secret.
Speaking to Hello! magazine, he 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 got into the habit of saying: 'Don't plan ahead because I might not be well enough.'
"But now I want to make plans.
"I want to make memories and capture these moments with my family because the reality is, my boys are going to grow up not knowing their dad and that breaks my heart.
"Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live.
"I had to go home and tell my wife, who was looking after our babies, that she was on her own pretty much.
"That was devastating. All I could do was apologise to her. I felt so responsible."
He added: "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."
Jonnie explained that he's going to use his last living months making memories with his wife Jessica and their three children.
The presenter went on to say: "I might inspire people who are living with life-limiting prospects to make the most of every day, to help them see that you can live a positive life, even though you are dying.
"One day, this is going to catch up with me, but I'm doing everything I can to hold that day off for as long as possible."