JONNIE Irwin's wife Jess has paid an emotional tribute to her late husband.
The A Place In The Sun host's death aged 50 was announced tonight following a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer.
Mum-of-three Jess called her brave husband "magical" and vowed to make him proud in a post on Instagram.
She wrote: 'Good night my favourite. Thank you for everything'.
"I will always love you. The hardest day has come, a day I prayed wouldn’t come. It’s with all the the saddness in the world that I confirm Jonnie has passed away earlier today'.
A Place in the Sun's Amanda Lamb is heartbroken for Jonnie Irwin after diagnosis
"His magical brain that continued to fight to the end has now gone to sleep. He has given me more than I could ever have wished for, 8 bonkers years of love and adventure and 3 amazing boys.
"I will continue to make you proud but only with your love still finding me and guiding me for the rest of my life, me and the boys still need you. Jonnie you really were the most handsome man I ever knew and I am so sorry for this cruel end.
"It really wasn’t fair and you didn’t deserve any of this. You gave so much time to others and touched everyone you met, I have never experienced anything like the effect you had on people. I love you so much and forever proud of you xxx."
Jonnie you really were the most handsome man I ever knew and I am so sorry for this cruel end
Jonnie's wife Jessica
Jonnie was given six-months to live after his cancer diagnosis in August 2020 but determinedly defied the odds to carry on working.
There was a mass outpouring of love for the popular presenter with fans, friends and co-stars all paying their respects and sharing memories.
A statement from Channel 4 read: "Everyone at Channel 4 is deeply saddened by the news of Jonnie's death. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jonnie's family, his wife Jessica and their three sons, as well as his friends and colleagues.
Jonnie was a beloved presenter on A Place In The Sun for over 18 years.
"He helped realise the dreams of many on the show and inspired countless viewers to find their own places in the sun.
Much loved by colleagues and audiences alike he will be greatly missed."
Fellow Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman posted a touching photo of the pair on Instagram - saying "the world is a little darker today.
She added: "Jonnie, you’ve taught me so much in our time as work colleagues and as good friends.
A Place In The Sun’s Jonnie Irwin shares sweet snaps with family and friends after revealing terminal cancer diagnosis
"I have never admired you more than over the last few years as you’ve faced life with cancer with positivity, determination and bloody mindedness.
"I’ve never known anyone as strong as you. You have done yourself, your loved ones and all of us proud."
Meanwhile ITV star Nicki Chapman wrote: "Heart broken. Sending love to Jess and the family.
"And escape from the country's Sonali Shah: I feel so lucky to have known Jonnie."
The Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country star had previously told The Sun of his sorrow at not being able to see his children grow up.
He said last March: “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 going to bring them up.
“I’ve done the hard yards with them and someone else will get the easy bit.”
DROPPED AS PRESENTER
Jonnie revealed how he was left heartbroken after being ditched as a presenter for A Place in the Sun after 18 years.
The firm behind the show Freeform Productions claimed it couldn’t cover Jonnie’s travel because of his cancer.
It led him to keep his cancer secret for two years, fearful he would lose more work.
Wife Jess, 41, was left devastated by her husband’s illness but told of his will to live for her and the boys
She previously said: “He’s stubborn and determined and he’s a scrapper.
“If I ever think about the reality it absolutely breaks my heart, for the boys and for Jonnie.
“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."
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