A Place In The Sun fans have hit out at Channel 4 for their tribute to the late TV presenter Jonnie Irwin.
The broadcaster passed away at the age of 50 on Friday (February 2) after he lost his nearly four-year battle with terminal lung cancer. Over the weekend, tributes from his famous friends and adoring fans have been pouring in online.
But it’s fair to say viewers were underwhelmed by the flagship channel’s tribute to the TV personality. Throughout his career, Jonnie was best known for his work on BBC ’s Escape to The Country and Channel 4’s A Place In The Sun, with both programmes dedicating a show to him.
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After the news of his death, the BBC property show adjusted its original billion on Monday (February 5) to air Jonnie’s last ever episode he filmed and created a montage of his best bits of the programme.
(Image: Channel 4)
However, Channel 4 dedicated Monday’s episode to Jonnie but aired a repeat episode which was hosted by Danni Menzies. The only mention of Jonnie was by the continuity announcer ahead of the episode and a title card at the end of the show.
It read: “In memory of Jonnie Irwin 173 – 2024.” After watching the episode hit the airwaves, fans flooded to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their disappointment online.
One user penned: “Shameful that they haven’t featured Jonnie today, I’m not in the mood for this #APlaceInTheSun.” Another seconded: “Totally agree… unless of course the family have asked for his previous episodes to not be shown as too painful to watch who knows? But all very sad regardless.”
(Image: INSTAGRAM)
A third echoed: “Is it just me that was disappointed with the tribute to Jonnie Irwin, RIP, today on @aplaceinthesun. I thought they may do a special with parts of his first & last shows, or combi of appearances showing his personality.
“Instead, a simple screen in tribute at the end. #aplaceinthesun.” A fifth fumed: “Beautiful tribute to Jonnie on BBC. Shameful for Channel 4 not to do the same.”
Meanwhile a fifth raged: “Really should have had an episode with Jonnie on today as a tribute #aplaceinthesun.” Channel 4 released a statement to his family and loyal fans online just hours after his death was announced.
It read: “Everyone at Channel 4 is deeply saddened by the news of Jonnie’s death. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jonnie’s family, his wife Jessica and their three sons, as well as his friends and colleagues.
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“Jonnie was a beloved presenter on A Place In The Sun for over 18 years. He helped realise the dreams of many on the show and inspired countless viewers to find their own places in the sun.
“Much loved by colleagues and audiences alike, her will be greatly missed.” Jonnie had been diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2020 and had stepped down from presenting to spend more time with his family.
He is survived by his wife Jessica and their three sons Rex, 4, and three year old twins Rafa and Cormac.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
