TV presenter Tommy Walsh, known for Ground Force and Homes Under the Hammer, has died at the age of 69. His agent confirmed 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."
Co-star's heartfelt tribute
Martin Roberts, who co-presented Homes Under the Hammer with Walsh, paid tribute on social media. He wrote: "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."
Roberts added: "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."
Fans and colleagues react
Supporters shared their condolences in the comments, with one writing: "Gutted, such a lovely gentle giant...always loved watching him on Ground Force then on Homes Under the Hammer...very sad day, RIP Tommy." Another said: "I absolutely loved Tommy on his many TV shows from Ground Force, Clean it Fix It and of course, Homes Under The Hammer. His knowledge, skills, and experience really shone throughout. Great person, and I'm glad the TV executives gave him plenty of airtime."
Others expressed sympathy to Roberts and the Homes Under the Hammer team, with one post reading: "Our heartfelt deepest sympathy and condolences to you and the Hammer team on the heartbreaking news about Tommy Walsh." Another fan wrote: "Oh, that's so sad. I found him almost comforting to watch on television. So knowledgeable and kind. Thinking of you x."
Health battles and career
In 2022, Walsh announced that doctors had found a cancerous lump in his throat after he took part in a cancer awareness initiative. He said at the time: "I went to my GP about an unrelated issue, and while I was there, he discovered this lump in my throat that he was a bit concerned about. He said it may be nothing, but that he would rather I went and got it checked, and, unfortunately, it turned out to be cancerous. I had to go in straight away and have surgery to remove it. I am now fully recovered and even back playing football!"
The following year, he revealed he had been diagnosed with lung cancer when a 3cm tumour was found in his lung. Speaking at a charity event, he said: "I've tried to keep cheerful, and you've cheered me up today, and thank you for letting me reminisce and talk. I was weighing up whether or not to tell you about this, but I felt it would be unfair if I were to leave this and I didn't tell you." He later told The Mirror that the tumour was "shrinking" thanks to a new course of treatment incorporating radiotherapy, and that he would continue annual check-ups.
Walsh featured on Homes Under the Hammer from 2021 to 2024, a programme Roberts began presenting from the first series in 2003 with Lucy Alexander. The father-of-three's other television appearances included Flip That House with Tommy Walsh, Challenge Tommy Walsh, Fix Your House for Free and Clean It, Fix It.
