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Connie Rusk & Aaron Morris

A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin's little-known link to Newcastle after moving to city

A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin moved his family to Newcastle to secure a comfortable future for his wife Jessica, as well as his three sons when he passes away.

The 49-year-old has been outspoken about his terminal lung cancer diagnosis, and how doctors have given him just months to live as a result.

Jonnie was first given the devastating prognosis back in August 2020, despite suffering no common signs or symptoms relating to the disease. And upon receiving the news, he began taking careful steps and measures to ensure his family's comfort when he passes away.

Read more: Jonnie Irwin reveals he had no cancer symptoms 'before terminal diagnosis' as he prepares for his 'last Christmas'

The Mirror reports that he sold his property portfolio to buy a house in Newcastle for his Geordie wife Jessica - so the 40-year-old can be supported by nearby family and friends when he dies. The family relocated from Hertfordshire to Newcastle in 2020 - with the TV star also owning a stunning Victorian property in the capital.

Speaking to The Sun, Jonnie said: "I want to go knowing that Jess and the boys are looked after. I'm a family man and I need to put a roof over our heads and food on the table but work is something that’s really important to me.

"It also stops me thinking about cancer."

Jonnie also admitted that he had been working non-stop to secure a future for his children, Rex, Rafa and Cormac.

"Even though I look thinner and I’m without hair, Escape to the Country and A Place In The Sun Ltd, which runs the show’s exhibitions, have employed me and I’ve been so impressed by them," he said.

Jonnie met Jess through mutual friends back in 2016, and were married within a year of dating after the host popped the big question in romantic fashion in India. Discussing his terminal diagnosis with Hello! magazine, Jonnie said: "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."

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