BBC Escape to the Country star shares sad update as late Jonnie Irwin makes return

Escape to the Country's Denise Nurse shared a poignant update in a recent episode, revealing a bittersweet turn of events for a couple who had previously sought their dream home.

On Thursday's episode (January 9), viewers tuned in as Denise took them back to North Wales, revisiting Angela, who, along with her late husband Neil, had been featured on the show seeking a new life to mark their silver wedding anniversary. At the time, the pair were guided by the now late Jonnie Irwin, and the couple eventually found joy in North Wales, despite initial setbacks.

Five years after their featured hunt, Angela opened up about their new start and the memories they cherished before tragedy struck. Denise solemnly informed viewers: "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."

Recalling the joy they found in their new surroundings, Angela reminisced about their immediate connection to the area. She fondly remembered, "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.'"

Denise revealed Neil's 'true' passion during their adventures in a recent episode, saying, "Of course, with Neil and the railway, he was in his element," reports Wales Online.

She then expressed her delight over their shared experiences in Wales, adding: "I'm so glad that you got to experience this house together and get to know living in Wales as a couple."

Angela couldn't hold back her emotions when discussing Neil's passing, admitting, "It was awful. Even whether to have tea or coffee suddenly became this huge decision, and it was so difficult."

Life without Neil prompted Angela to make a change: "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."

The addition of her canine companion had a warming impact on her life: "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 programme was tinged with both joy and sorrow, especially as it paid tribute to the late Jonnie Irwin. The beloved presenter died at just 50, three years after his 2020 diagnosis of an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Emotions were high amongst those watching at home, prompting an outpouring of tributes on social media. One touched viewer posted on X, now known as Twitter, "Awww, lovely Johnnie Irwin. #EscapeToTheCountry #IEscapedToTheCountry."

And another viewer reflected, "Oh my goodness #iescapedtothecountry is sad today. RIP Neil."

Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on BBC One and iPlayer