A Place in the Sun return 'bittersweet' for Jasmine Harman after co-host Jonnie Irwin's death

A Place in the Sun returns to our screens on Monday which is set to be a poignant moment for its host - and viewers - following the death of its much-loved former presenter Jonnie Irwin.

Jonnie, who died from lung cancer in February at the age of 50, presented the Channel 4 show with co-star Jasmine Harman for almost 20 years and the pair became great friends. Now, as a new series prepares to air, marking its 20th year, Jasmine has spoken movingly of the milestone moment without him.

Jonnie, who had a family home in Newcastle and celebrated his seventh wedding anniversary in the city just a few months before his death, first teamed up with Jasmine on the show, helping house-hunters find their dream holiday home, in February 2004. Being without him will make the programme's anniversary "bittersweet", says Jasmine, with Jonnie's death still so "raw", reports The Mirror.

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Speaking of her mixed feelings about the show's big moment, 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 camera-man) 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.”

The 48-year-old had been amazed, like many, by the positive attitude shown by Jonnie after he revealed his terminal diagnosis in 2022. The father-of-three, who also presented BBC’s Escape To The Country, helped inspire his many fans by sharing support via social media and even making jokes right to the end.

Jasmine is now trying to adopt Jonnie’s mantra of living each day to its fullest and has even found her own place in the sun - with a move to Estepona, Spain. 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 presenter's move to Spain will reduce her commute and means she can spend more time with her family.

The experience also has given her more personal insight into the challenges facing ex-pats and why buyers can have big lists of dos and don'ts. “I actually had it with myself," she said.

"When we were looking, I fell in love with a beautiful property before I saw it. But when I arrived, there was a pylon in the garden. I was devastated (but) I don’t think people should compromise."

A Place in the Sun returns to Channel 4 on Monday at 3pm.