TV star Jonnie Irwin’s health update sparks concerns among fans: ‘Stay strong’

Jonnie Irwin, known for his roles on “Escape to the Country” and “A Place in the Sun,” has raised concern among fans with a recent social media post.

The 50-year-old revealed in late 2022 that he has terminal cancer, prompting an outpouring of love from fans. Irwin has been providing regular updates on living with cancer and its impact on himself, his wife, and their three children.

In the new Instagram picture posted on Thursday, Irwin is seen looking down at the camera, wearing a patterned hospital gown.

“This is the look of a man who’s not slept for 6 nights and awaiting a full body MRI scan of at least an hour,” he wrote.

“If you haven’t had one, they’re claustrophobic and emit loud, random noises. Joy.

“Take note (of) attempt of a jaunty knot on my gown!”

He concluded with his characteristic comedy, referring to cricket.

“I’m expecting to come out to news of India all out 195!” he said.

The post was hashtagged #alwaystrying, #mri and #livingwithcancer.

The fact that Irwin hadn’t slept in over a week alarmed his supporters, who wished him better days ahead.

“Wishing you all the best Jonnie and hoping that you know that many are thinking of you!” one fan wrote.

“I know the feeling, so thinking of you — stay strong — you’re not alone ❤️‍🩹” wrote another.

“Good luck Jonnie. It ain’t a great experience, but they are great inventions.👍🏻,” said another, referring to the MRI scan.

“Stay strong — you’re amazing and an inspiration to us all.”

Despite revealing his health news in 2022, Irwin was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020 and discovered that it had spread to his brain.

“I don’t know how long I have left,” Irwin told Hello magazine in 2022.

The presenter stated that he has adjusted his mindset from expecting he will not be well enough for certain milestones to instead putting “little markers” of events he want to be present 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.”

Jonnie Irwin, known for his roles on “Escape to the Country” and “A Place in the Sun,” shared the warning signs he experienced and expressed hope that others will “make the most of every day.” While filming “A Place in the Sun” in Italy, Irwin faced blurry vision while driving.

“Within a week of flying back from filming, I was being given six months to live,” he said.

Despite the initial prognosis, treatments, including chemotherapy, have helped extend Irwin’s life. After two years of living with cancer, he decided to share his story more widely beyond the “very small group of friends and family” who were aware. Irwin made the announcement alongside his wife Jessica, with whom he has three young sons.

“One day, this is going to catch up with me,” Irwin said when going public with his cancer news.

“But I’m doing everything I can to hold that day off for as long as possible.

“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.”