Tommy Walsh, the television presenter known for Ground Force and Homes Under the Hammer, has died at the age of 69. His agent confirmed the news, saying he "died peacefully after a long illness."
Tributes on The One Show
On Monday, November 9, The One Show hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp honoured Walsh's memory. After a pre-recorded segment on gardening and volunteers helping others with their gardens ahead of Children in Need on Friday, Alex shared the news of his death.
She said: "On the subject of gardening, we have to mention today's sad news that Ground Force presenter and DIY expert Tommy Walsh has died at the age of 69. He helped so many people over the years and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends, of course."
Health battles and legacy
In recent years, Walsh had shared his health battles after discovering a cancerous lump in his throat in 2022, following a cancer awareness initiative. He had it removed and said he was "fully recovered," but the following year he announced he had been diagnosed with lung cancer when a 3cm tumour was found in his lung. He later told The Mirror that the tumour was "shrinking" due to a new treatment involving radiotherapy, and said he would continue to have annual checks and hadn't been in any pain.
Colleagues remember Walsh
Walsh appeared alongside Charlie Dimmock and Alan Titchmarsh on Ground Force, as well as featuring with the likes of Martin Roberts on Homes Under the Hammer. Martin led the tributes earlier on Monday with a social media post, 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."
A statement released by his agent read: "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."
The One Show airs weeknights from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
