The presenter suffers with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) which can cause excessive bleeding and bruising of the skin
A Place In the Sun star Laura Hamilton shared an update on what it’s like filming the Channel 4 show while living with her blood disorder.
The hit show follows individuals, families, couples or friends who are looking to move their life from the UK to a sunnier climate abroad – whether that be permanently or as a holiday residence.
Laura joined the show in 2012 as she fronted the search for people’s dream property overseas. The 43-year-old property expert suffers from immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) – which can cause excessive bleeding and bruising of the skin due to low platelet levels
Laura says her “ITP is very much under control” and doesn’t affect her filming the show. Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the ‘We Aren’t Kids Anymore’ musical world premiere at the Savoy Theatre, she said: “My ITP is very much under control, and it flares if I get stressed, so in terms of like can I travel, yes I can.”
She continued to add: “I just have to monitor it. I have blood tests to see what my platelet levels are like, and they’re fine.”
Over her years on the show, Laura has worked alongside Jasmine Harman, Ben Hillman, Scarlette Douglas and the late Jonnie Irwin.
Jonnie died in February 2024 at the age of 50 after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2020. He is survived by his wife Jessica Holmes and their three children.
Over a year after he passed, Laura reminisced on her friendship with the star and said: “We all miss him, and all I’ll say is Johnny is forever in our hearts and will always be a part of the show.”
When asked what her favourite memories are of him, she added: “[He was a] cheeky chappie, and he’s always a part of the show.”
Speaking about why she loves filming A Place In the Sun so much, she shared: “I love people, I love property and I love travel, so it’s blending all of my favourite things together.
“It’s iconic, it’s aspirational, and it brings blue skies and sunshine, and positivity to people… The show’s doing well, it’s now on at 6pm in the evening, so the ratings are flying, and it’s as good as always.”
Last year, Laura’s co-star Jean Johansson was diagnosed with presbyopia, a condition that causes a decline in the ability to focus on nearby objects as you age.
At the time, Jean remarked: “I can honestly say it’s been life-changing. I’m not entirely sure why it took me so long to admit I needed glasses.”
