Irwin obtained a degree from Birmingham City University in Estate Management and worked for business transfer specialists Christie & Co, becoming an associate director within three years, before going on to work for Colliers International.
Television career
In 2004, Irwin was selected from hundreds of applicants along with co-presenter Jasmine Harman to present Channel 4's show A Place in the Sun - Home or Away, and has filmed over 200 episodes all around Britain. The programme is also broadcast daily on More4, Discovery Real Time and Discovery Travel & Living, as well as channels throughout Europe and the rest of the world, including New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. It has been documented that Irwin was visibly shaken by witnessing the manufacturing of harps in Escape to the Country. Irwin also presents episodes of BBC property shows Escape to the Country and To Buy or Not to Buy. In January 2011, Sky 1 broadcast Irwin's own show called Dorm Lives for Sale, which saw him help people leave their UK lives behind and buy a business. In late 2011 he started a new series The Renovation Game which aired on weekday mornings on Channel 4.
Other work
Over the pastten years, Irwin has advised clients on business and property from small high street gift shops to multimillion pound corporate hotel packages. He still runs a property and business consultancy. Irwin writes a regular column for A Place in the Sun magazine as well as a twice monthly column for Monarch Airlines. He appears at A Place in the Sun Live giving presentations on hip hop tips for buying property abroad. Irwin also regularly hosts seminars and corporate events. Jonnie is commercial director at and regularly advises on the purchase or disposal strategies of overseas properties. On 12 February 2013, he received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University.
Personal life
Irwin grew up on a small farm in the village of Bitteswell, Leicestershire. As his surname would suggest, Irwin is of Irish descent . He is a keen sportsman, he played rugby for Lutterworth RFC and then for Rugby Lions RFC, until an accident in a sevens tournament where he broke his back and subsequently retired. He married Jessica Holmes in September 2016, Together they have 3 boys.
