Jonnie Irwin celebrates major achievement after 'inspiring' TV return following cancer diagnosis

Irwin, who has been battling cancer since 2020, has revealed that his episode of the property show emerged as the time slot winner among its TV competitors on the day.

In fact, Irwin has claimed a staggering one million people tuned in to see him make his returns to screens following a period of absence while he continues to combat the terminal illness.

Irwin shared the news on Instagram as he posted a snap of himself behind the scenes of the aforementioned episode.

"Just been told about the overnight viewing figures from our show on Monday," Irwin began in the caption before he delved into the specifics. "22% audience share, 1 million viewers and slot winner!"

Praising his colleagues, Irwin continued: "Well done to all of our team on @escape_country and thanks to you so much for watching.

"I must admit we had a lot of fun filming this episode," he signed off before concluding with the hashtags: "#newbeginnings #countrylife #property #onlocation #rural #rurallife #autumn #onset #onsetlife."

A number of fans rushed to congratulate Irwin and the team for the achievement, including fellow TV property expert Lucy Alexander who shared a series of clapping emojis.

Elsewhere, one viewer complimented: "Loved watching you and hearing your voiceovers again. #oneofakind."

While a second added: "Hope to see you doing many more episodes Johnny. It was a pleasure to watch you taking the helm again. Your courage and dignity is awe inspiring."

A third echoed: "Great to see you back - and looking amazing! Keep going - everyone’s behind you."

And a fourth concurred: "I watched it yesterday on catch-up. It was so lovely to see you back, and wow that mystery house was divine!!!"

Irwin faced similar floods of support earlier this week when he first teased his TV return with a series of snaps from filming.

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Since going public with his cancer diagnosis in November 2022 after the disease had spread from his lung to his brain, Irwin has been taking a step back from presenting duties on Escape to the Country and other shows, such as A Place in the Sun.

However, prior to his episode of ETTC airing, Irwin proved he remained close with his APITS colleagues after making a rare appearance at the show's live convention in Birmingham.

Irwin reunited with Channel 4 property expert Jasmine Harman for the event as they shared their tips and tricks with the crowds in attendance.

The presenter - who's also been renovating his family's Newcastle home - hasn't revealed if he'll be on hand to front future episodes of Escape to the Country just yet.