BBC Escape to the Country's Nicki Chapman 'struggles to accept' Jonnie Irwin's death

Escape to the Country presenter Nicki Chapman has shared a touching tribute to her co-star Jonnie Irwin, who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. The news was confirmed on social media on Friday, February 2.

Since then, many have paid their respects to the A Place in the Sun and Escape to the Country presenter, who bravely spoke about his illness after being diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2020, which later spread to his brain.

Nicki Chapman has expressed her grief over the loss of her friend and co-star, admitting she's found it hard to accept that his fight is now over. She shared a collection of photos remembering Jonnie with her 124k Instagram followers.

In other news, A Place in the Sun's Jasmine Harman has also paid tribute to Jonnie Irwin, stating "life (is) simply not fair", Wales Online reported.

Nicki's full tribute read: "Wow...so many wonderful, loving and hilarious stories written about Jonnie over the last 72 hours... like so many of you, we were lucky to have him in our lives, whether standing by his side presenting or on our screens day to day. We all knew him. We all adored him. He was our Jonnie."

"I've struggled and found it hard to accept that his battle is now over, one he fought so bravely wanting to spend each precious moment with Jess, his adorable boys and wider family and friends."

She continued: "The last few times we worked and laughed together will be with me forever. Our mischievous Jonnie will always be remembered for being the bravest of souls, the one with the best bants, always delivering the perfect hilarious line and showed us all what it is to have determination, passion, belief and that spirit that never left him."

"Jonnie and I were always in competition - who could screw up our links on Escape to the Country the most. How many takes??!? Jonnie, don't worry, I'll carry that title with pride matey."

Sending love to Jonnie's wife Jessica and their three young sons, Nicki added: "Love to Jess, the boys and their family and friends who I know have been so amazing these last three years or so xx. As @cathymgriffin so beautifully said, Jonnie we'll see you again at the ultimate wrap party."

"And one last important thing: my thoughts and love to anyone going through something similar - past or present. I remember how kind and supportive Jonnie was a few years back when life for me looked pretty scary. Massive hugs if you are struggling at the moment. I'm thinking of you too x @jonnieirwintv."

Escape to the Country will show a special tribute to Jonnie at the end of Monday's episode, which is also his last. Jules Harman, Jonnie's colleague, shared: "Well folks, in a welcome change to today's TV schedule, you can enjoy what none of us knew would be Jonnie Irwin's last Escape to the Country house hunt."

"It also includes a tribute to a man who's wit, determination, and courage are matched only by the huge sense of loss so many of us now feel. Watch it today at 3pm, BBC 1, and rest assured, if you miss it, you can catch up on @bbciplayer and enjoy many other Jonnie gems from happier times past."