A Place in the Sun star Jasmine Harman has opened up about the 20th anniversary of the Channel 4 series and admitted she had just one wish following her friend Jonnie Irwin’s death.
A statement on Irwin’s Instagram account announced his death back in February, with the tribute noting he touched “the lives of so many with his kindness, warmth and infectious spirit”.
Irwin was initially given six months to live, but defied the odds and made his illness public after two years.
Irwin and Harman presenter their first A Place in the Sun episode on Channel 4 in February 2004 and instantly formed a connection and became lifelong friends.
The series returns to screens for its 20th year today and will be a bittersweet moment for Harman, who still can’t speak about the death of her friend.
She’ll be marking the milestone episode without Irwin by her side and told The Daily Mirror: “I am so proud to have been part of A Place in the Sun for 20 years.
Jonnie Irwin and Jasmine Harman presented the first episode of A Place in the Sun together
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 cameraman) 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.”
Jasmine, 48, was amazed by dad-of-three Jonnie’s positive attitude after revealing his terminal diagnosis in 2022.
And Jasmine is now trying to adopt Jonnie’s mantra of living each day to its fullest – even finding her very own place in the sun in Estepona, Spain.
She says: “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.” Moving to Spain will reduce the presenter’s commute and means she can spend more time with her family.
Jasmine touched on the 20th Anniversary of A Place in the Sun
The mum of two added: “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.”
She recently wrote about the 20th anniversary on her Instagram page and penned: “I recently passed the 20-year anniversary of my first ever shoot on A Place in the Sun.
“Two decades ago, my career turned onto a different path which has shaped so many factors of my life until now. From meeting my husband, having our children, moving to Spain, to making so many wonderful friends over the years.
“In particular, one very special friend…Jonnie and I started our Television careers together, which makes the 20-year anniversary especially poignant.
“Without him, I have not really felt like celebrating. I’ve been pretty choked up about posting anything about it, to be honest. I miss him. He was always full of fun and mischief, it doesn’t seem possible that he is gone.
“In Jonnie’s memory, I give you a snippet of the last 20 years. What an honour to work with someone so vibrant and fun. Thank you, Jonnie, for the memories, sending love as always to Jonnie’s family and loved ones.”
