Jonnie Irwin appears in good spirits as he enjoys a day out at the Ashes… amid his terminal cancer battle
Jonnie Irwin appeared in good spirits as he enjoyed a day out at the cricket at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday.
The Escape to the Country presenter, 49, took to his Instagram to document his day watching the fourth test of the Ashes.
He appeared to be in his element as he watched England battle it out with Australia from the commentary box.
Jonnie, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020, kept it casual in a dark black jumper and wore a blue and white scarf.
Jonnie also shared videos of the commentary box and his view of the cricket in action as he eagerly watched on.
All smiles: Jonnie Irwin appeared in good spirits as he enjoyed a day out at the cricket at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday
Action: The Escape to the Country presenter, 49, took to his Instagram to document his day watching the fourth test of the Ashes
Alongside the snaps, he penned: ‘I can’t thank @emiratesot enough for a delightful day at the test, especially Debbie who made everything happen.
‘The hospitality and seats were excellent. A great days Cricket (if you’re an England fan. Now on the rattler back to The Toon. I’ll sleep well tonight…’
The third day of the fourth Ashes test saw England dominate as they battled it out with rivals Australia, and only rain on Saturday can prevent them from winning the game and levelling the series.
Jonny Bairstow smashed an unbeaten 99 before Mark Wood continued his fine form and took three top-order Australia wickets, leaving the hosts needing just six more in two days of play with a healthy lead.
Ben Stokes’ side lead by 162 runs at the close of play after positing 592 in response to Australia’s 317, largely in thanks to Bairstow but also Zak Crawley’s 189 on day two.
Jonnie was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020 which has since spread to his brain and has spoken openly about his battle with the terminal disease.
He recently told how some people who he thought would be supportive amid his health struggles haven’t been, but gushed over other friends and family.
He heaped praise on his Escape To The Country co-stars for their kindness and support as he spoke about feeling let down by other people.
The former A Place In The Sun star told The Sun: ‘It means everything to me, I consider these people my family. The people I thought would be supportive weren’t.’
The Ashes: Jonnie appeared to be in his element as he watched England battle it out with rivals Australia from the commentary box
Health: Jonnie was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020 which has since spread to his brain and has spoken openly about his battle with the terminal disease
Jonnie is married to Jessica Holmes and the pair share three sons – Rex, four, and twins Rafa and Cormac, three.
The family celebrated Father’s Day last month and Jonnie told how the day was ‘amazing’, saying the occasion meant ‘everything’ to him.
He also told how his beloved family and his work continues to ‘drive’ him on as he gave an update amid his cancer battle.
‘I’ve not got much to look forward to but family and work is what drives me really, they are so interrelated,’ he said.
