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Jonnie Irwin reveals why he hasn’t told his sons about terminal cancer diagnosis
‘Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family’
A Place In The Sun’s Jonnie Irwin has spoken about his decision not to tell his sons of his terminal cancer diagnosis.
The 49-year-old presenter went public with his diagnosis of terminal lung cancer last November after doctors told him it had spread to his brain in August 2020.
While the media personality has been open in interviews and in social media posts, he and his wife Jessica Holmes decided not to tell their three young sons about his terminal diagnosis.
In a candid interview with Hello! Magazine ahead of Father’s Day, Irwin opened up about his decision to keep Rex, four and twins Rafa and Cormac, who turn three three this month, in the dark about his illness.
The presenter wants to make precious memories with his family and enjoy the time they have left together, telling the publication: “I keep being asked, ‘are you going to tell them?’ But tell them what?
“It would be horrible news that they’d have to get their heads around. And it would confuse the hell out of Rex — he’s got a shocking enough day coming. Let’s bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible.”
For as long as they possibly can, the doting parents, who married in 2016, are trying to give their boys as best a sense of normalcy as they can.
Irwin said: “I encourage the kids, I’m positive about them and give them cuddles. I’ve started to tell Rex in private conversations, ‘You can do anything’.
“He’s bright, he’s talented, and comes home from nursery knowing more French than I do.”
Holmes described the presenter as a ‘great dad’ and a ‘big kid’ himself, adding: “All the boys gravitate to him when they want to show off and get his attention.
“They’re aware that Jonnie needs his rest and can’t always jump up and play football for hours, but they’re more than happy snuggled up on the sofa, watching a movie.
“Story time is a big thing at bedtime and that is something I know Jonnie treasures with them.”
Irwin added: “I’m acutely aware that everything I do has to be a good example. Some people in my position have bucket lists, but I just want us to do as much as we can as a family.”