A British TV host has left viewers “heartbroken” as he opened up on his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Jonnie Irwin, 49, spoke in devastating detail about what his impending death means for his wife and three children.
Irwin was diagnosed with lung cancer and admits it’s likely someone else will end up raising his kids after he’s gone.
“Every time something really nice happens with them, I have this thing knocking at my door, saying, ‘Don’t get too happy because you’re not going to be around much longer’,” he told The Sun.
“Then, I think they’re not going to remember me, they’re really not.
“They’re too young and if I die this year there’s no chance they will have memories.
“And someone else is probably going to bring them up. I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
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Irwin is focusing on “making memories” with his wife Jessica and their brood after being told he only has six months to live following a diagnosis in 2020.
He admits he doesn’t feel “any need” to tell his children Rex, aged three, and twins Cormac and Rafa, both two, of his tragic diagnosis.
“It’s only been recently we have considered when we are going to tell them,” he said.
“Because they are so young but at the moment, I am me – albeit a thinner version.
“I don’t think there is any need to tell them. I think it would be a lot for them to get their heads around.”
“For now, let the good times roll for as long as possible,” Irwin added.
Irwin recently revealed to The Sun he was sacked from his job at A Place In The Sun after revealing his illness.
Production company Freeform had responded to say there was “no stone left unturned” in their hope to keep him on the show, yet insurance proved an issue.
“It broke my heart. I don’t think they even fought for me,” Irwin said.
Viewers were left hugely emotional watching his candid chat at home.
One took to Twitter to write: “OMG Jonnie Irwins beautiful children, heartbreaking #GMB.”
A second added: “So sad hearing Jonnie Irwin’s illness. I saw him many times filming around Spain. Lovely man #GMB,” as a third continued: “Jonnie Irwin is the reason I watch #PlaceintheSun what a wonderful attitude, his family should be so proud of him, sending strength to his family #gmb.”
One then put: “listening to jonnie’s story #gmb” as another added: “wow that was powerful #gmb good luck, and give him a job #itv #leicesterlad.”
This article was originally published by The Sun and reproduced with permission