Homes Under the Hammer has paid tribute to Tommy Walsh, the building and DIY expert who died at the age of 69 earlier this week. His agent confirmed that he died "peacefully after a long illness surrounded by his family" and asked for privacy for his relatives.
Tribute Aired 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 alongside a picture of him, reading: "Tommy Walsh, 1956-2026."
Tommy joined the presenting team of Homes Under the Hammer in 2021, bringing his professional building expertise to the property auction and renovation show. He appeared as a core presenter until 2024, when he stepped back to focus on his wellbeing following a lung cancer diagnosis.
Viewer Reactions on Social Media
Viewers quickly took to X to pay their respects. One person wrote: "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."
Others expressed frustration with the tribute. One person said: "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 Appearance and Further Tributes
Tommy's final television appearance aired on Homes Under the Hammer just days before his death was announced. During that episode, he visited a Grade II-listed cottage on the brink of collapse, a project so dangerous he could not safely step inside. While interviewing the new owners, mother-and-son duo Shirley and Connor, he said he "was looking forward to seeing how it turned out". The restoration was expected to take several years.
Ground Force co-star Alan Titchmarsh also paid tribute, saying: "Working with Tommy Walsh on Ground Force was a delight." He added: "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.
