Jonnie Irwin hits out at former bosses as he makes rare red carpet appearance at TV awards

A Place In The Sun went on to win an award at the event

The presenter had a pointed message for the show as he battled painful symptoms to reunite with his Escape To The Country co-stars for the party.

Irwin, 49, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020. It has since spread to his brain.

Speaking to The Mirror at the event, he said that just a day earlier he had to "peel himself out of bed" and rely on painkillers, and he's taking his diagnosis day-by-day.

He said: 'Today is a good day. Yesterday I peeled myself out of bed and munched painkillers but so far so good today. I take every day as a gift and as it comes."

At the ceremony, Jonnie was joined by his co-stars Nicki Chapman, Jules Hudson and Sonali Shah as they threw their support behind him.

He went onto tell the publication that Escape To The Country bosses have been a huge support to him, after he was axed from A Place In The Sun following his diagnosis.

"With a notable exception from one production company, as soon as they found out they put their arm around me and, insurance provided, they looked for work when I could," he said.

"I also wanted to show that because you have cancer it doesn't mean you are a different person. You can still work. Look at me now! I don't think the doctors were expecting me to make 2023 but here I am and I'm available at work. And I'm especially available to parties!"

Jonnie's appearance proved to be a bittersweet one, as he watched A Place In The Sun scoop the best Daytime Award, as he was axed from the show after revealing his cancer diagnosis.

The Channel 4 show beat This Morning to the gong at the award ceremony, which recognises the very best TV, radio and online shows.

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