A Place in the Sun’s Jasmine Harman has shared a touching tribute to her late co-star Jonnie Irwin as the show hits its 20th anniversary.
The property series is back on telly, but it’s tinged with sadness for Jasmine, who’s been on the show since 2004 alongside her dear friend Jonnie. The pair became telly favourites after their first episode aired on Channel 4 in February 2004, and their friendship blossomed over the years.
With Jonnie’s tragic passing from lung cancer at just 50 this past February, Jasmine faces an emotional return to the screen. Opening up about the show’s impact, she reveals: “I am so proud to have been part of A Place in the Sun for 20 years.”
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“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.”
(Image: Jasmine Harman/Instagram)
“But [reaching this landmark] has also been very bittersweet. I still find it very hard even talking about Jonnie. It’s still very raw.”
Jasmine, aged 48, admired how Jonnie, a father of three, remained upbeat after sharing his terminal diagnosis in 2022. Jonnie, known as well for presenting BBC’s Escape To The Country, left a legacy of positivity, engaging with fans on social media, keeping spirits high and cracking jokes until his final days.
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
The TV presenter is endorsing Jonnie Irwin’s motto of living each day to its maximum potential. She has even found her own paradise in Estepona, Spain. She expressed: “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.”
Opting to reside in Spain will minimise the TV star’s commuting time, enabling her to enjoy more moments with her loved ones. The mother of two shared: “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.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Nevertheless, Jasmine, who is currently learning Spanish, is being given a first-hand look at the hurdles that expatriates must overcome, including six months of legal paperwork. This experience has also let her understand why potential homeowners might have such extensive checklists.
She mentioned: “I actually had it with myself. 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. “Jasmine is hopeful for more property searches in the future, aiming to continue her journey with the show she and Jonnie both cherished. She further added: “That’s if they will have me of, course.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
