Jasmine Harman says it’s still hard to talk about her A Place in the Sun co-host Jonnie Irwin after he tragically lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.
TV 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 and met during a pilot shoot in South Africa.
While presenter Jasmine has many happy memories of working on the show over the past two decades, she says she still hasn’t gotten over the death of her friend Jonnie.
she told him Mirror: ‘I am very proud to have been part of A Place in the Sun for 20 years. She has changed lives in many ways.
Jasmine Harman says it’s still hard to talk about her A Place in the Sun co-host Jonnie Irwin after he tragically lost his battle with cancer earlier this year.
TV presenter Jonnie died aged 50 in early February after being diagnosed with cancer in 2020 (pictured Jasmine and Jonnie).
‘I met my husband (a cameraman) Jon on the show, we now have two children, Joy, nine, and Albion, seven, and I feel proud to be able to show people that anything is possible.
‘But (reaching this milestone) has also been very bittersweet. I still find it very difficult to even talk about Jonnie. He is still very raw.
Following Jonnie’s death, Jasmine took a break from Instagram, but returned last month to mark 20 years of A Place in the Sun.
Jasmine dedicated her important post to her “very special friend” Jonnie, admitting the thought of celebrating the anniversary had left her “choked”.
Sharing a range of photos of her and Jonnie, Jasmine wrote: ‘I recently spent the 20th anniversary of my first photo shoot at A Place in the Sun.
‘Two decades ago, my career took a different path that has marked many factors of my life until now. From meeting my husband, having our children, moving to Spain and making so many wonderful friends over the years.
‘In particular, a very special friend…’
Jasmine continued: ‘Jonnie and I started our television careers together, which makes the 20th 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 returned last month to mark two decades since joining the show.
‘Without him, I didn’t really feel like celebrating. To be honest, I’ve been pretty excited to post something about it.
‘I miss him. He was always full of fun and mischief, it doesn’t seem possible that he is gone.
‘In memory of Jonnie, I give you a snippet from the last 20 years. What an honor to work with someone so vibrant and fun.
“Thank you Jonnie for the memories, sending love as always to the family and loved ones.”
Jonnie’s wife, Jessica Holmes, announced his death on social media on February 2, describing her beloved partner, with whom she shares sons Rex, four, and twins Rafa and Cormac, two, as a “truly extraordinary husband.”
The TV presenter revealed in November 2022 that his cancer had spread to his brain after he was first diagnosed with the disease in 2020, a week after filming the popular Channel 4 show in Italy.
Sharing a montage of photos of her and Jonnie, Jasmine wrote: “I recently spent the 20th anniversary of my first photo shoot at A Place in the Sun.”
Shortly after news of her death was announced in February, Jasmine shared some heartfelt words on social media.
Jasmine and Jonnie presented A Place In The Sun together from 2004 to 2019.
Shortly after news of her death was announced, Jasmine shared some heartfelt words on social media.
Sharing a photo of them looking out at a sunset, she wrote: “Jonnie Irwin – I will always remember the first time I heard your name.” When he was doing a screen test for a new show, they said “we definitely want Jonnie, but we need to find another host.” I was wondering who this mysterious Jonnie was. We met in Cape Town, filming the pilot. We are so charismatic and energetic, so confident and fun. I understood immediately why they had to have you.
‘Your cheeky, cheerful personality and mischievous sense of humor always broke the ice and made people laugh. Everyone liked you and you had the incredible ability to connect with people, making them feel as if they had known you for years.
‘Starting our television careers together was a pleasure and a privilege for which I will be eternally grateful. Almost twenty years ago, as two nervous new presenters (I might be more nervous than you!), little did we know about the adventure we were about to embark on and the friends we would become.
‘Professionally, you were well prepared for life in front of the lens. But for years, you always talked about wanting to settle down and become a father. Your wish came true when you met Jess. You were never happier than in your role as husband and father of the three most wonderful children: 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 husband, cameraman Jon Boast, on the show (Jon and Jasmine pictured with their children Joy, nine , and Albion, seven).
‘Life just is not fair. We cannot reason with it; There are no answers to the question why?
‘We can, in your memory, learn to value 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 have taught me a lot in our time as co-workers and good friends. I have never admired you more than in the last few years, when you faced life with cancer with positivity, determination, and a bloody mentality. I have never met anyone as strong as you. You have made 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-host: Jonnie, I’ll miss you.