The presenter passed away on Friday following a near-four-year battle with terminal lung cancer.
While tributes have been flooding in for the much-loved TV star, Channel 4 has been accused of being ‘lazy’ about their response to Jonnie’s death.
Jonnie worked on BBC’s Escape to The Country and Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun and both dedicated a programme to him.
The BBC property show adjusted its original billing on Monday to air Jonnie’s last ever episode he filmed, and created a montage of his best bits of the programme.
Channel 4, however, dedicated Monday’s episode to Jonnie, but aired a repeat episode featuring Danni Menzies.
read more on jonnie irwin
The only mention of Jonnie was by the continuity announcer ahead of the episode and a title card that read: “In memory of Jonnie Irwin 1973 – 2024”.
Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts.
“Shameful that they haven’t featured Jonnie today, I’m not in the mood for this #APlaceInTheSun,” one wrote.
“Totally agree… unless of course the family have asked for his previous episodes to not be shown as too painful to watch who knows? But all very sad regardless,” said a second.
Another agreed, writing: “Is it just me that was disappointed with tribute to Jonny Irwin, RIP, today on @aplaceinthesun. I thought they may do a special with parts of his first & last shows, or combi of appearances showcasing his personality. Instead, a simple screen in tribute at end. #aplaceinthesun.”
“Beautiful tribute to Jonnie on BBC. Shameful for Channel 4 not to do the same,” said a fourth, while a fifth raged: “Really should have had an episode with Jonnie on today as a tribute. #aplaceinthesun.”
Channel 4 released a statement on the day of Jonnie’s passing: “Everyone at Channel 4 is deeply saddened by the news of Jonnie’s death.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jonnie’s family, his wife Jessica and their three sons, as well as his friends and colleagues.”
“Jonnie was a beloved presenter on A Place in the Sun for over 18 years. He helped realise the dreams of many on the show and inspired countless viewers to find their own places in the sun.
“Much loved by colleagues and audiences alike, he will be greatly missed,” Channel 4’s tribute concluded.
Jonnie who died aged 50, had been diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2020 and had stepped down from presenting, to spend more time with his family.
The married father of three was given the heartbreaking news after he experienced blurred vision while driving.
Initially he was only given six months to live and had to break the devastating news to his wife, Jess and their three young children, Rex, 4 and three year old twins, Rafa and Cormac.
Recalling the heartbreaking moment he told his partner his devastating news, he said: “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.”
3
3