Jonnie Irwin, a British television presenter claims that he was fired from his Channel 4 role Place in the Sun Following his diagnosis of terminal cancer.
Irwin has recently disclosed that he was suffering from late stage lung cancer. The disease spread to his brain. Irwin first discovered the illness while filming the Property Travel Show in 2020.
Irwin stated that Channel 4 was his channel in an interview with Central Recorder Place in the Sun Freeform Productions fired his presenter position as soon as the producer learned of his circumstances. He says he was compensated mid-season but his contract wasn’t renewed.
“That hurt. That broke my heart,” He said. “I feel hugely let down. I can’t even watch the show now.”
Irwin continued his work after receiving the terminal diagnosis. He presented episodes of Escape to Country He also worked on other projects. He claimed that Freeform’s response meant he hid his diagnosis from others for fear of losing work as he tries to secure his young family financially as well as possible before he passes.
“Even though I look thinner and I’m without hair, Escape to Country and A Place In Central Recorder Ltd, which runs the show’s exhibitions, have employed me and I’ve been so impressed by them.
“But I didn’t get that support from A Place in the Sun. I told them I wanted to work. When I said, ‘I can get you doctor notes and assurances from my oncologist that I am fit to work,’ I was told, verbatim, ‘Oh, you really don’t want to go down that route, do you?’”
Freeform and Channel 4 released a statement saying that Jonnie was an integral part of Freeform’s coverage. Place in the Sun Family for 18+ years. We were all very saddened to hear of his diagnosis. Everyone on the crew loved Jonnie dearly and they tried everything to make sure that he could continue international filming during Covid, but unfortunately the company was unable to provide adequate insurance coverage.
“Whilst we were unable to continue to film abroad with him, we’re delighted that he was able to remain as part of our team in the UK for exhibitions. We of course understand how frustrating this must be for him at this incredibly difficult time.”