Tommy Walsh, a familiar face on British television known for his work on "Ground Force" and "Homes Under the Hammer," has died at the age of 69. His death was confirmed by his agent, Debbie Schiesser, who stated that Walsh passed away peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by his family. His final television appearance was on an episode of "Homes Under the Hammer," which aired just days before his passing.
Walsh was a presenter on the BBC auction series "Homes Under the Hammer" from 2021 to 2024, joining hosts Martin Roberts and Martel Maxwell. His last featured episode saw him visiting a Grade II listed cottage in Halesowen, West Midlands, that required extensive restoration.
Before his role on "Homes Under the Hammer," Walsh was a prominent figure on the BBC Two garden makeover show "Ground Force." He starred alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on the popular program from 1997 until its conclusion in 2005. At its peak, "Ground Force" drew an audience of 12 million viewers.
More recently, Walsh appeared on the BBC makeover show "Clean It, Fix It," hosted by Mark Wright, which concluded last year. He was also involved in other television projects, including a special in New York following 9/11 for "Ground Force."
Walsh had previously battled health issues, including lung and throat cancer. In 2024, he shared a positive health update, stating the cancer was shrinking and he was not in pain. He had previously undergone surgery for throat cancer after discovering a lump in 2022 and had a breast cancer scare two decades prior.
Prior to his television career, Walsh was a builder. He was encouraged to audition for "Ground Force" and became a household name through the show's success. The team behind "Ground Force" even met with then-US President George W. Bush after making two U.S. series.
His death has prompted tributes from fans and former colleagues on social media. Old Parmiterians FC, the club where Walsh played football before his television fame, announced his passing on X, formerly Twitter, stating he would be "sorely missed."
Walsh's final public appearance was in April 2025, when he was photographed at St. Joseph's Hospice in his hometown of Hackney, London, holding a flower as part of a campaign for the organization's annual fundraiser. He is survived by his wife, Marie, and three children.