Jonnie Irwin still hasn’t told his kids about terminal cancer diagnosis: ‘Let’s bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible’

Jonnie Irwin of A Place in the Sun discussed why he hasn’t told his young children about his cancer diagnosis.

The TV actor, 49, disclosed in November 2022 that he may only have’months to live’ after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in his lung that has migrated to his brain.

Jonnie, who has three young kids, stated at the time that, while he was determined to keep a good attitude, he feels that telling his children about his tragic illness would ‘confuse’ them.

Jonnie, who has four-year-old Rex and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac, explained: ‘I keep getting asked, “Are you going to tell them?” but what?’

He added to Hello! magazine: ‘It would be horrible news that they’d have to get their heads around. And it would confuse the hell out of Rex – he’s got a shocking enough day coming. Let’s bury our heads in the sand for as long as possible.’

In a recent update, Jonnie stated that he has been hospitalised due to a change in his “pain management programme,” but that he is hopeful of being released in time for a weekend appearance.

The dad-of-three wrote: ‘In hospital this week monitoring a changeover in my pain management regime.

‘Fingers crossed I’ll be out in time to make an appearance on Sunday for this weekends @aplaceinthesunofficial LIVE event at @olympialondon in Kensington.’

He added: ‘Hope to see you there…x.’

Jonnie wasn’t able to make the A Place in the Sun live event.

Jonnie explained his current condition to The Sun and revealed: ‘I’m weak now, fragile and my memory is terrible… but I’m still here.

‘I tried to play football with Rex the other day and was in goal and I couldn’t get near the ball. It was so frustrating.

‘I’m very sporty and suddenly it’s just like…it was as if it was the first time I’d attempted football. I felt like a granddad. And that broke me a bit.’