Ground Force legend Tommy Walsh made a poignant wish during his final television appearance on the BBC property programme Homes Under The Hammer. The episode aired just days before his death was announced by his agent on Monday (November 9).
The statement read: "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."
Final Homes Under The Hammer Episode
In his last TV appearance, viewers watched Tommy inspect a Grade II listed cottage in terrible condition. The DIY and property specialist admitted he couldn't go inside the building, worried it might collapse on him.
Despite the property's run-down state, mother and son pair Shirley and Connor chose to buy it. During a conversation with the family, Tommy expressed a touching wish.
A Touching Wish and Tributes
Tommy told them "he was looking forward to seeing how it turned out" while recognising it would take years for the cottage to be completely restored. Sadly, the renovation wasn't finished during the episode, meaning Tommy wouldn't get to see the transformed cottage after his death.
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes have flooded in for the cherished presenter. Alan Titchmarsh said: "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.
"Sometimes we only had to glance at one another to become convulsed with laughter and totally lose the plot. The five years I worked with Tommy and Charlie on that literally ground-breaking 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."
Tommy's Homes Under the Hammer co-star Martin Roberts also paid his respects to his friend and colleague following the devastating news.
