Former A Place In The Sun presenter Amanda Lamb said it was "beyond heartbreaking" to learn about Jonnie Irwin's cancer diagnosis.
Jonnie told the world he had been given six months to live back in November. He initially sought medical advice after suffering from blurred vision while driving.
The 49-year-old, who also hosted A Place In The Sun, was diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread to his brain. Jonnie said he had chosen to keep his illness private but hopes that sharing his diagnosis will encourage others to "make the most of every day".
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His friend and former colleague Amanda shared her respect for the way Jonnie is dealing with the worst possible curveball life could send, reports the Express.
She said: “One of the things I love about Jonnie is how he is tackling it with such dignity. I love the fact he is doing all these experiences and he is going to all these places. I hope he gets to see many more.
"But it’s horrific and I can’t bear it. He is such a gorgeous human being and it’s beyond heartbreaking. Life is so unfair. I’ve sent a message to Jonnie. He knows how loved he is but – rightly - he needs to focus on his immediate family now.
"I think when you are going through anything whether it’s a bereavement, divorce, or a monumental occasion in your life, it is very important to know you are loved but also to know people are there if you need them. Cancer is such a horrible disease. It is absolutely horrendous and the outpouring of love for him has been unbelievable.”
The pair worked together many times at the A Place In The Sun Live exhibition over the years, a commercial spin-off of the hugely popular Channel 4 series Amanda was a part of from the beginning when she hosted it from 2001 until 2009. Jonnie joined the series in 2004 but, as the presenters host shows separately, their time together at the live exhibition has a special place in Amanda’s heart.
Amanda proceeded to describe that as the new year arrives, she wants to embrace life. She said: “You have no idea how long you have got. If I could tell my 18-year-old self anything; it would be to grab life by the horns and attack it with gusto."
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