Alan Titchmarsh has paid tribute to his former Ground Force co-star Tommy Walsh, who has died aged 69 after a long illness, recalling the five years they spent working together on the hit BBC gardening show.
On Monday, Tommy's agent Debbie Schiesser announced the news, saying: "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."
Five happy years on Ground Force
In a tribute to his former co-star, Alan told Express.co.uk: "Working with Tommy Walsh on Ground Force was a delight - 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."
He added: "Sometimes we only had to glance at one another to become convulsed with laughter and totally lose the plot."
Alan said the five years he spent working with Tommy and their co-star Charlie Dimmock on the 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," Alan added.
Career after Ground Force
The show, which attracted 12 million viewers at its peak, was cancelled by the BBC in 2005 after eight years on air. Alan stepped away from the programme in 2002, while Tommy and Charlie continued alongside new presenter Kirsty King.
After leaving Ground Force, Tommy fronted several DIY and home-improvement shows, including Challenge Tommy Walsh, Tommy's Ultimate Workshop, Tommy Walsh's DIY Survival, Tommy Walsh's Eco House and Flip That House with Tommy Walsh. He was also part of the presenting team on Homes Under the Hammer and Clean It, Fix It.
Health battles and tributes
In 2002, after discovering lumps in his chest and drawing on his family history of cancer, the property expert sought medical advice and underwent treatment to have the non-cancerous lumps removed. Twenty years later, he discovered a malignant lump in his throat during a routine GP appointment while supporting an NHS cancer awareness initiative. He underwent surgery soon afterwards and went on to make a full recovery.
Alongside Alan, many others have paid tribute to Tommy, including Homes Under The Hammer star Martin Roberts, who wrote on social media: "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."
"But it's just one example of the huge heart of this mountain of a man, who will be very dearly missed. Heaven's waiting room is currently having a makeover. God bless you, Tommy."
