Featured Image Credit: @jonnieirwintv/Instagram
Topics: Celebrity, Jonnie Irwin, Health
Jess Hardiman
Jonnie Irwin has shared an update on his cancer journey, revealing he hasn’t slept for six days as he awaits the next stage of his treatment.
Irwin, 50, found out he had lung cancer back in 2020, but decided to keep his diagnosis private until he shared the news that he was terminally ill in November 2022.
When he first received the bombshell news, the A Place in the Sun presenter was told it was unlikely he’d live beyond six months, but he was ‘chuffed to bits’ to make it to his 50th birthday last November, telling Hello! at the time: "I never thought I'd be here for this.”
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Irwin - who shares Rex, five, and three-year-old twins Cormac and Rafa with his wife Jessica, 41 – has been open with fans about his treatment, regularly sharing updates on social media.
He’s undergone various alternative therapies, including hyperbaric oxygen, intravenous vitamin C and Reiki treatment, but feels the most effective approach is getting himself into a positive mindset, saying on the Conversations with Jane McLelland podcast that a PMA ‘buys you days, buys you weeks and buys you moments’ with people like his kids.
Now Irwin has posted about his latest news with a selfie from the hospital, explaining he’s been gearing up for an MRI scan this week – something he clearly wasn’t looking forward to, judging from his expression.
“This is look of a man who’s not slept for 6 nights and awaiting a full body MRI scan of at least an hour,” the TV star wrote.
“If you haven’t had one they’re claustrophobic and omit loud random noises. Joy.
“Take note on attempt of a jaunty not on my gown! I’m expecting to come out to news of India all out 195!”
(That last bit's a cricket reference, FYI!)
Many fans took to the comments to share their best wishes with Irwin, with many praising his humour in the face of such adversity.
One wrote: “You're a trojan, Jonnie, and will deal with this as you have done with all your other treatment. You're looking really well, so stop raising your eyebrows - it's giving you wrinkles!”
Someone else said: “Wishing you all the best Jonnie and hoping that you know that many are thinking of you!”
A third added: “So sorry Jonnie! You are funny even at the worst of times!!! I hope you get some sleep tonight. You are the nicest man and don’t deserve this.
"By the time of writing you will be nearly finished. Sending you good wishes for a speedy return home!!!”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week