Alan Titchmarsh has paid tribute to his Ground Force co-star Tommy Walsh, who has died aged 69 following a long illness. The news was announced on Monday (November 9) by Walsh's agent, Debbie Schiesser.
Schiesser said: "Tommy died peacefully after a long illness surrounded by his family. As this has only just happened, we would ask everyone to please respect the family's privacy."
Titchmarsh recalls 'delight' of working together
In a heartfelt tribute, Titchmarsh said: "Working with Tommy Walsh on Ground Force was a delight - whether we were arguing over the ratio of plants to decking, battling clouds of sawdust that threatened to engulf my plants or collapsing in fits of giggles thanks to a chance remark."
He added: "Sometimes we only had to glance at one another to become convulsed with laughter and totally lose the plot." Titchmarsh described the five years he spent with Walsh and co-star Charlie Dimmock on the programme as "among the happiest of my life".
"He was a force of nature and I shall miss his company and his merciless teasing of 'Mr T'. He was a complete one-off," Titchmarsh added.
Ground Force's success and later career
Ground Force, which drew 12 million viewers at its height, was axed by the BBC in 2005 after eight years on air. Titchmarsh left the show in 2002, with Walsh and Dimmock continuing alongside new host Kirsty King.
During his career, Walsh presented a number of DIY and home-improvement programmes, including Challenge Tommy Walsh, Tommy's Ultimate Workshop, Tommy Walsh's DIY Survival, Tommy Walsh's Eco House and Flip That House with Tommy Walsh. He also appeared on Homes Under the Hammer and Clean It, Fix It.
Health battles and tributes
In 2002, after discovering lumps in his chest and mindful of his family's history with cancer, Walsh sought medical guidance and received treatment to remove non-cancerous growths. Two decades later, he found a malignant lump in his throat during a routine GP appointment while supporting an NHS cancer awareness campaign. He underwent surgery shortly afterwards and made a full recovery.
Homes Under the Hammer presenter Martin Roberts also paid tribute on social media, writing: "I am so, so very sad to hear that my friend and colleague Tommy Walsh has just passed away. Fifteen years ago gave up a day of his time for free to help build a shed for my disabled cousin, who idolised him. Harry still talks about that day. But it's just one example of the huge heart of this mountain of a man, who will be very dearly missed. Heaven's waiting room is currently having a makeover. God bless you, Tommy."
