Morning Live returned on Tuesday with a sad update as hosts Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones paid tribute to presenter Tommy Walsh, who has died at the age of 69.
Immediately after the opening sequence, Gethin told viewers the programme was beginning with sad news. He said: "We start this morning with the sad news that presenter Tommy Walsh has died. Many will know him as the building and DIY expert on TV shows including Ground Force and Homes Under the Hammer. Tommy died at the age of 69."
Tributes from colleagues
Gethin mentioned that Morning Live regular Jacqui Joseph had worked with Tommy on the property programme Homes Under The Hammer before Helen shared a statement from the interior design specialist.
Helen said Jacqui told them: "When we heard the news yesterday, our hearts truly broke. Tommy was not only legendary, he was a true gent in every sense of the word." Helen added: "She went on to say he was kind, he was gentle and he had time for everybody."
Gethin continued: "She says he was amazing with the contributors on Homes Under The Hammer, he'd offer great advice, they'd hang onto his every word and do everything he said. He really was truly one of a kind and we all send our love to his family - as we do here from Morning Live too."
Family statement and further tributes
The announcement of Tommy's death was made on Monday. His agent 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."
His former Ground Force co-star Alan Titchmarsh appeared on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, where he paid a moving tribute to his much-loved colleague. He said: "He had a great ability to be himself. He never put on airs and braces. He was just naturally telegenic. I shall remember him forever, fondly and lovingly. He was a dear friend. We had five years working together on Ground Force. Audiences of 12 million, which was astonishing."
Alan added: "I still get swamped today, and that's how Charlie and Tommy are, and I shall miss him dreadfully." In a further touching tribute to his former co-star, Alan told Express.co.uk that working with Tommy "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 in fits of giggles thanks to a chance remark."
Morning Live is on BBC One weekdays at 9.30am and on BBC iPlayer.
