Alan Titchmarsh has paid tribute to his "dear friend" Tommy Walsh after the former Ground Force presenter died at the age of 69. The news of Walsh's passing was announced on Monday, 9 November, and his agent confirmed: "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."
Tributes on Good Morning Britain
The following day, 10 November, the Good Morning Britain team honoured Walsh's memory, with footage of Titchmarsh reflecting on his character. Titchmarsh remarked: "He had a great ability to be himself. He never put on airs and braces. He was just naturally telegenic."
He added: "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."
Five Years on Ground Force
Titchmarsh continued: "I still get swamped today, and that's how Charlie and Tommy are, and I shall miss him dreadfully." In a separate tribute to his former colleague, Titchmarsh told Express.co.uk that working with Walsh "was a delight".
He recalled: "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. Sometimes we only had to glance at one another to become convulsed with laughter and totally lose the plot."
Walsh's Legacy
Titchmarsh also revealed that the five years he spent alongside Walsh and fellow co-star Charlie Dimmock on the show were "among the happiest of my life". He added: "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."
After leaving Ground Force, Walsh presented a series of DIY and home-improvement programmes, 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 also appeared as part of the presenting line-up on Homes Under the Hammer and Clean It, Fix It. Good Morning Britain airs Monday to Friday from 6am on ITV1.
