Escape To The Country viewers in tears as Jonnie Irwin's final episode aired

For many years viewers have enjoyed watching popular presenter Jonnie Irwin help house hunters look around fabulous homes in BBC's Escape To The Country and made us all dream of one day owning a property abroad in Channel 4's A Place in the Sun.

But in 2020 Jonnie revealed on social media that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which spread from his lungs to his brain. He was keen to talk about his battle with the disease, regularly appearing on BBC's Morning Live as well as posting online. And on Friday, February 2, via a social media post, Jonnie’s wife Jessica confirmed the news that Jonnie had passed away calling him a 'truly remarkable husband'; he was just 50 years old.

On Monday, February 5, the BBC paid tribute to the presenter by changing the schedule and airing Jonnie's last ever episode of Escape To The Country, leaving viewers in tears.

The programme stated: "In a change to our schedule now we remember one of Escape To The Country's longest serving hosts, described by the BBC as an extraordinary man and wonderful presenter, first broadcast last September this is Jonnie Irwin doing the job he loved."

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At the time the episode was first aired last September, Jonnie posted on Instagram: "Good news to start the week, there’s a brand new episode of @escape_country airing tomorrow on @bbcone at 3 pm and it’s one of mine! I head down to Somerset and look at some fantastic rural properties in some beautiful locations. Plus I also get to visit a cider farm- perks of the job. Hope you enjoy!"

During the episode Jonnie takes couple Diane and Brian from Reading around three dream homes in Somerset with a buying budget of £625,000. The pair liked all the properties that Jonnie showed them but it was the mystery house that they fell for and the programme ended with them wanting to put in an offer for the property but they still had their Reading house to sell.

At the end of the episode there was an emotional collection of clips of Jonnie through his time on the show, from learning to surf to punting and falling in a river, from lobster fishing to driving a miniature train, as well as meeting hundreds of happy house hunters throughout the years, all presented with fun, humour and a charismatic personality that captivated everyone who met him or watched him.

Watching the tribute episode, viewers on X (formerly Twitter) shared their emotions. One posted: "Aww, just turned over to see Jonnie Irwin on Escape to the Country. Such a pleasure to have gained an interest by watching you since early adulthood, RIP."

Another viewer said: "Had to turn off Escape to the Country. Tears running down my face! Too emotional seeing Jonnie's last presenting job. Rest easy Jonnie." A third added: "Just watched the last episode of Escape to the Country that was filmed with Jonnie Irwin, with some old clips and a tribute to him at the end. Now I’m in bits."

A fourth wrote: "Turned on BBC1 & the Escape to the Country episode for #jonnieirwin was on. Cried." And: "Had to turn off Escape to the Country. Tears running down my face! Too emotional seeing Jonnie's last presenting job. Rest easy Jonnie."

Ahead of the screening, fellow Escape To The Country presenter Jules Hudson posted a photo of the show's presenters on Instagram and said: "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."

You can catch up with the Escape To The Country episode on BBC iPlayer.

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