Escape to the Country host makes sad announcement as late Jonnie Irwin makes emotional TV return
Escape to the Country Denise Nurse host made a heartbreaking announcement just minutes into the show.
During Thursday’s (January 9) episode of the BBC hit show, Denise headed to North Wales to visit Angela, who had appeared in a previous episode with her husband Neil. At the time, they were guided by the late A Place In The Sun star Jonnie Irwin, who helped the couple find their dream home.
Retired engineer Neil and retired teacher Angela wanted to move from Tamworth as a permanent celebration of their silver wedding anniversary.
Eventually, they found their dream home, despite the three options Jonnie showed them falling through.
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Now, five years later, Denise went to see how the pair were getting on, but just moments before revisiting the couple's new property, she revealed that Neil had died 18 months after they bought their dream home.
Speaking to viewers, she said: “A lot can happen in five years. Angela and Neil did move to North Wales, and they fulfilled their long-held dream of living together in this beautiful part of the world. Very sadly though, Neil passed away 18 months ago.”
Angela opened up about the happy memories she made with Neil. She said, “We were comfortable here right from the start, and when we went out, we looked around the town, and we saw things like the beautiful riverside walk, and we thought, ‘Oh, this is lovely.’
She continued: “Of course, with Neil and the railway, he was in his element.” Denise went on to say: “I’m so glad that you got to experience this house together and get to know living in Wales as a couple.”
Angela was left fighting back tears as she spoke out on how she felt about Neil's death: “It was awful. Even whether to have tea or coffee suddenly became this huge decision, and it was so difficult."
"And that’s when I decided to get a dog because I wasn’t leaving the house, and I knew that wasn’t good for me. I wasn’t really seeing anyone, that’s when I got Teddy.
"Well, I’ve certainly met a lot of people since getting him! I waited 70 years to get a dog, never had one before, I always had cats, so it was a bit of a culture shock."
The episode was full of emotions as it also featured the late Jonnie Irwin. The presenter died in February at the age of 50, three years after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer in 2020.
Viewers watching at home wasted no time sharing their reaction as one viewer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Awww, lovely Johnnie Irwin. #EscapeToTheCountry #IEscapedToTheCountry.” Meanwhile, another added: “Oh my goodness, #iescapedtothecountry is sad today. RIP Neil.”
Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on BBC One and iPlayer
