The BBC has aired a tribute to Tommy Walsh, days after his death was announced. The former Homes Under the Hammer and Ground Force presenter died at the age of 69 earlier this week, his agent confirmed.
Debbie Schiesser told the Press Association: "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."
Tribute card at end of episode
At the end of Wednesday's (November 11) episode, the show displayed a tribute card to Tommy. As the credits rolled, a heartfelt message appeared on screen as the popular BBC programme honoured its former host. Alongside a photograph of Tommy, the tribute read: "Tommy Walsh, 1956-2026."
The show's viewers swiftly took to X to express their condolences, with one user writing: "RIP Tommy Walsh." Another added: "Tommy Walsh always came across as a true gent. Natural, no falsities or self importance, or false front. He was a genuine bloke. He'll be much missed."
Meanwhile, others expressed disappointment with the tribute. One person fumed: "Poor Tommy Walsh. A still photo at the end of Homes Under the Hammer... is that it? @newswatchbbc Pretty poor, @BBC." Another added: "Disappointing tribute HUTH."
Final television appearance
Tommy's final television appearance was broadcast on Homes Under the Hammer just days before his death was confirmed. During the emotional episode, he examined a Grade II-listed cottage that was on the verge of collapse - a project so hazardous he couldn't safely enter inside.
While speaking with the new owners, mother-and-son pair Shirley and Connor, Tommy expressed a touching final wish, saying that he "was looking forward to seeing how it turned out". The renovation was anticipated to take several years, with numerous fans left devastated knowing Tommy wouldn't see the property restored to its original splendour.
Tributes from co-stars
Tommy's Ground Force co-star Alan Titchmarsh paid tribute shortly after the news of his death. "Working with Tommy Walsh on Ground Force was a delight," he said.
"Whether we were arguing over the ratio of plants to decking, battling clouds of sawdust that threatened to engulf my plants or collapsing fits of giggles thanks to a chance remark. Sometimes we only had to glance at one another to become convulsed with laughter and totally lose the plot. The five years I worked with Tommy and Charlie [Dimmock] on that literally ground-breaking programme were 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."
Homes Under the Hammer is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
