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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Mia O'Hare

Jonnie Irwin's wife 'terrified and angry' to be single mum after cancer stole family joy

Jonnie Irwin 's wife has opened up about her fear on becoming a single mum to their three young sons, explaining that she is angry that his terminal cancer has stolen the best years from their young family.

The terminally ill TV presenter, 49, was diagnosed in 2020 and was given just six months left to live after his lung cancer spread to his brain.

A Place in the Sun host Jonnie met his wife Jess in 2015 and married in September 2016 when she quit her job as an accounts assistant so they could travel the world.

Their son Rex was born two years later and twins Rafa and Cormac followed in 2020.

But the family life was cruelly snatched from Jonnie and Jess following his terminal diagnosis.

Jonnie Irwin's wife Jess has opened up about how the diagnosis is impacting them (Jonnie Irwin's wife Jess has opened up about how the diagnosis is impacting them)

“I’m angry that this is happening and that’s maybe a defence mechanism I’ve put in place. If I ever think about the reality it absolutely breaks my heart, for the boys and for Jonnie," Jess told The Sun.

“It’s just very unfair and I’m angry at how much it’s ruined the last couple of years, how much it’s taken away from us enjoying having a new family.”

Jess, 40, said Jonnie "couldn't stop apologising" when he got the terminal diagnosis.

Jonnie and Jess have three children (instagram.com/jonnieirwintv)

She feels she hasn't had time to think about the enormity of their situation and is "in denial about a lot of it".

The couple kept the news from the public until November last year when Jonnie’s appearance began to change.

Jonnie has since given Jess his blessing to meet someone else, but she won't entertain the idea.

Jonnie Irwin on A Place in the Sun (Channel 4)

She knows life will be very different being a single widow to three young boys, and admits she will need support.

“It terrifies me that I’m suddenly going to be in a house on my own, the sole adult with three young boys. The prospect of being a single mum and a widow is awful to think about," she said.

Jonnie and Jess have chosen not to tell their boys what lies in front of them.

In his latest heartbreaking update, Jonnie says he is feeling "weak" but is "still here".

Jonnie and Jess with their children Rex, Rafa and Cormac (Instagram)

But was left feeling "frustrated" as he faced difficulties while playing football with his son.

He also set the record straight on rumours he was set to return to A Place In The Sun after a reunion with cast mate Jasmine Harman.

Jonnie thrilled fans when he appeared at A Place in the Sun's live show in Manchester.

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