Former A Place in the Sun presenter Jonnie Irwin, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 but “kept it secret for two and a half years” so he wouldn’t be treated differently, is sharing an important lesson on insurance.

During an interview with Morning Live, the father of three revealed his regret over not taking out critical illness cover.

“When you get a terminal diagnosis, [life insurance] covers you for when you’re gone,” Irwin told the BBC One programme. “But terminal diagnosis can go on for years… your illness affects your work. So, if you’re unable to work and you’re waiting for this payout, who is going to pay the rent?

“So, critical illness is a policy you take alongside that, and that kicks in as soon as you’re ill. I didn’t take that, and that took a lot of pressure on having to work on days when I didn’t want to go to work, and that’s one mistake I say to everyone.”

The Leicestershire native, aged 49, is battling stage four lung cancer. In November, Irwin disclosed that he was let go from his first and longstanding TV job “as soon as” the Channel 4 show learned of his illness.