A PLACE in the Sun star Jasmine Harman has detailed her heart-wrenching wish following Jonnie Irwin’s tragic death, which is ‘still very raw’ for her.
The Channel 4 presenter recently penned a sweet tribute to the property show and her former co-star as she marked her 20th anniversary.
Jasmine recently took to Instagram and posted pictures of her and Jonnie throughout their years on A Place in the Sun.
Alongside the picture she penned: “I recently passed the 20-year anniversary of my first ever shoot on A Place in the Sun.
“Two decades ago, my career turned onto a different path, which has shaped so many factors of my life until now. From meeting my husband, having our children, moving to Spain, to making so many wonderful friends over the years.
“In particular, one very special friend…Jonnie and I started our Television careers together, which makes the 20-year anniversary especially poignant.
“Without him, I have not really felt like celebrating. I’ve been pretty choked up about posting anything about it, to be honest. I miss him. He was always full of fun and mischief, it doesn’t seem possible that he is gone.”
Jasmine added: “In Jonnie’s memory, I give you a snippet of the last 20 years. What an honour to work with someone so vibrant and fun.
In February 2004 Jasmine and Jonnie helmed their first A Place in the Sun episode on Channel 4 and instantly built a lifelong bond.
Today a new series of A Place in the Sun returns to screens for its 20th year.
It marks a bittersweet moment for the mum of two , who still hasn’t recovered from Jonnie’s death.
Speaking to the The Daily Mirror, she said: “I am so proud to have been part of A Place in the Sun for 20 years.
“It has been life-changing for so many people and to be able to help hundreds of couples – last time I counted it was 440.”
“It has changed my life in so many ways, too. I met my husband (a cameraman) Jon on the programme, we’ve got two children, Joy, nine, and Albion, seven, now and I feel proud to be able to show people that anything is possible.
“But [reaching this landmark] has also been very bittersweet. I still find it very hard even talking about Jonnie. It’s still very raw.”
Back in February, a statement on Jonnie’s Instagram account announced his death with the tribute noting he touched “the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth and infectious spirit”.
The former Channel 4 star was initially given six months to live but defied the odds and made his illness public after two years.
Throughout his battle with the disease Jasmine was amazed by dad-of-three’s positive attitude after revealing his terminal diagnosis in 2022.
On February 2 Jonnie unfortunately lost his battle with lung cancer.
Now Jasmine has adopted Jonnie’s mantra of living each day to its fullest and has her own place in the sun in Estepona, Spain.
Speaking on how Jonnie’s passing affected her she said: “Throughout the last 20 years, I’ve had countless people who had something that has been a catalyst for them, whether that is a bereavement, health scare or other trauma.
“It has made people think life is for living and that is a message I would like to say to everyone today. Not only from Jonnie’s passing, but we have also lost other family members and other friends as well.
“It definitely makes you want to make the best of every day.”
The mum of two added: “We felt with the children it was now or never. If we waited until they were at secondary school age, it wouldn’t be as easy. I feel lucky I am able to give my children the chance to be part of a different culture.”
Moving to Spain has reduced Jasmine’s travelling time, meaning she can spend more time with her young family.
A Place in the Sun is available to stream online on Channel 4.