Jonnie Irwin has returned to the hospital.
The 49-year-old A Place in the Sun host disclosed in November that he had terminal cancer after a lung tumour spread to his brain.
Jonnie, who has three small boys and a wife called Jess, has been keeping his fans updated on his treatment and the memories he’s built with his family, despite the fact that he doesn’t know how long he has.
Unfortunately, the Escape to the Country star has suffered another setback, having spent the weekend in the hospital with jaundice.
The NHS defines jaundice as “the yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.”
On Monday (November 13), the real estate guru uploaded a snapshot from his bed as he sat back with his feet up, watching himself on TV.
View this post on Instagram
His caption read: ‘Back in hospital – been in since Friday with Jaundice. I had a fever and acute stabbing pain in my right hand side. Turns out I probably had an infection and otter issues which I won’t bore you with.
‘Been on drips, regular bloods taken and have observations every 4 ours through day and night.
‘Didn’t think I’d be watching @bbcmorninglive from a hospital bed but it’s just part of the roller coaster life that this illness throws at you.’
Jonnie went on to say that he was ‘particularly moved’ by the birthday greeting he received from the Morning Live team ahead of his 50th birthday this week.
‘I have another scan today followed by a meeting with my oncologist so fingers crossed for positive news,’ he signed off.
Jonnie’s post was met with an outpouring of love from his fans, with co-presenter Laura Hamilton writing: ‘Sending ❤️’
‘Sending lots of strength to you, Jonnie ❤️ Hope you are soon back home 🙌’, commented one person.
‘Stay strong and positive… you are an inspiration to us all ❤️❤️’, another penned.
Jonnie has been candid about his ups and downs since disclosing his sad news.
Despite having a chest ailment, the host insisted on going pumpkin harvesting with his sons, Rex, four, and twins Rafa and Cormac, three.
He also admitted to feeling ‘whacked’ after a night of partying at a concert, but said it was ‘worth it.’
Jonnie has recently made a few cameos on our TVs, much to the joy of his devoted fans.
His return episode of Escape to the Country set viewership records, with a 22% audience share, one million viewers, and a slot winner.
Jonnie was also in front of the camera for additional Morning Live portions last week, and fans were overjoyed to see him ‘back where he belongs’.
Jonnie conducted an honest interview ahead of his 50th birthday on November 18, explaining his resolve to celebrate thoroughly.
Jonnie, who has already beaten doctors’ predictions by living until 2023, remembers being ‘on the verge of death’ in May, when he was in a hospice and hardly able to move.
‘I’d never thought about dying, despite the cancer, and Jess and I don’t talk about it,’ he told The Sun.
‘But at my weakest point I thought, “This is it, this is the beginning of the end”.’
However, Jonnie persevered and, despite having radiation therapy for a new 1.5cm tumour on his brain, has gained weight and is now using fentanyl instead of morphine for pain management.
‘I never thought I’d be here,’ he admitted ahead of reaching the big 5-0.
‘I’m really looking forward to some time with Jess and the boys.’
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
