Thursday 24 November 2022 07:44 PM Jonnie Irwin says there's 'no need' to tell his children his terminal cancer ... trends now
Jonnie Irwin has said that there's 'no need' to yell his children of his terminal cancer diagnosis as they're 'too young' to understand.
The A Place In The Sun star, 49, shares sons Rex, three, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac with his wife Jessica Holmes, 40 - but he has just months to live as he battles terminal cancer.
Speaking during an appearance on Thursday's Good Morning Britain, Jonnie explained that he and Jessica had 'considered' telling their boys, but opted against it for now as 'it'll be a lot for them to get their heads round.'
Decision: Jonnie Irwin has said that there's 'no need' to yell his children of his terminal cancer diagnosis as they're 'too young' to understand
Detailing his predicament to hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard, Jonnie said: 'It's only been recently I've considered when we are going to tell them, they are so young.
'At the moment I'm me, albeit a thinner version, there's no need to tell them. I think it'll be a lot for them to get their heads round.'
On how he's coping with his diagnosis, he shared: 'I try my best to put my head in the sand because what's the point spending your days thinking about cancer when there's gas bills to worry about.
Family: The presenter, 49, has son Rex, three, and two-year-old twins Rafa and Cormac with his wife Jessica Holmes but has just months to live as he battles cancer
'The cost of living is a concern because I won't witness it, but my family will.'
Fellow parent Susanna went on to suggest that children 'live in the moment', with Jonnie agreeing as he added: 'For now, let the good times roll for as long as possible.'
During the same emotional interview, Jonnie revealed his hopes to spend his final days with his loved ones, capturing the moments on film for his children to watch when they're older.
Choice: Jonnie explained that he and Jessica had 'considered' telling their boys, but opted against it for now as 'it'll be a lot for them to get their heads round.'
He explained: 'I'm about making memories, I know my children are so young they won't remember me.
'I want to at least get it on camera or film to show them the early days were brilliant. I think our house for Christmas will be extravagant.'
Jonnie was given just six months to live when he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, which has spread to his brain, in August 2020 - just two months after the birth of his twin sons.
It comes as A Place In The Sun bosses expressed their sympathies to host Jonnie after he hit out at the show for axing him while he battles terminal cancer.
Tough: Detailing his predicament to hosts Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard, Jonnie said: 'It's only been recently I've considered when we are going to tell them, they are so young'
Emotional: 'At the moment I'm me, albeit a thinner version, there's no need to tell them. I think it'll be a lot for them to get their heads round'
The presenter was given just six months to live when he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, which has spread to his brain, in August 2020.
After sharing his diagnosis with show bosses, his contract was not renewed, with Jonnie admitting the decision 'broke my heart.'
Free Form Productions, who make the programme, said they were 'unable to secure adequate insurance cover' for him to continue international filming amid the Covid-19 crisis and said they understood his 'frustration' at the decision.
