BBC One's Morning Live began on Tuesday, November 10, with a heartfelt tribute to presenter Tommy Walsh, who has died at the age of 69. The show, hosted by Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton, opened with a sombre announcement as the team remembered the building and DIY expert known for programmes including Ground Force and Homes Under The Hammer.
A Sad Announcement on Air
Just after the opening credits, Cardiff-born Gethin told viewers: "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."
He added that Morning Live regular Jacqui Joseph had worked alongside Tommy on the long-running property show Homes Under The Hammer, before Helen read a message from the interior design expert.
Jacqui Joseph's Emotional Tribute
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."
Alan Titchmarsh Remembers His Friend
News of Tommy's death was announced 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 his own tribute. 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 tribute to Express.co.uk, he said working with Tommy "was a delight", adding: "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 airs on BBC One weekdays at 9.30am and on BBC iPlayer.
