A Place in the Sun star Jasmine Harman talks 'bittersweet' milestone after Jonnie Irwin's death

A Place in the Sun's Jasmine Harman has reflected on her "bittersweet" milestone after making it to 20 years on the overseas property show.

It is a bittersweet moment for the presenter because earlier this year her friend and former co-star Jonnie Irwin died aged 50 in February following a battle with terminal lung cancer.

Back in 2004, Harman and the late Jonnie Irwin teamed up to present their very first episode together and would go on to cover hundreds of big move stories of families seeking out year-round heat.

Speaking now, Harman has reflected on her career milestone. "I am so proud to have been part of A Place in the Sun for 20 years," she told The Mirror. "It has been life-changing for so many people and to be able to help hundreds of couples – last time I counted it was 440.

"It has changed my life in so many ways, too. I met my husband Jon [Boast] on the programme, we've got two children, Joy, nine, and Albion, seven, now and I feel proud to be able to show people that anything is possible."

However, Harman said it has been hard because of her friend's death. She added: "But [reaching this landmark] has also been very bittersweet. I still find it very hard even talking about Jonnie. It's still very raw."

Further into her interview, Harman explained how she's now urging others to employ Irwin's positive outlook on life despite his health struggles.

Irwin is survived by his wife Jessica Holmes and their three young sons: Rex, Cormac and Rafa. Earlier this year, Irwin's wife Jessica shared her sadness weeks after losing her husband as she said: "It still doesn't feel real." She wrote on a post on social media: "The sadness is huge. I can't even let myself think what another week without Jonnie will be like let alone another year another 10 years.

"I have been truly touched by all the support from friends and strangers. But nothing compares to how I have been picked up by my family and Jonnies sisters, your support and love means everything to me. '

"I am loving watching the boys enjoy some days in the sun and having a change of scene is just what we needed."

Irwin was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in August 2020 before going public with the news in November 2022. The devoted dad said he was focussing on creating memories with his wife and their children. At the time, he told HELLO! magazine: "I don’t know how long I have left, but I try to stay positive and my attitude is that I'm living with cancer, not dying from it. I set little markers – things I want to be around for."

He added: "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."

A Place in the Sun airs on Channel 4.

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Jonnie Irwin: A Place In The Sun presenter dies aged 50 (Sky News, 4-min read)