Tommy Walsh, a familiar face on British television known for his work on the BBC's "Ground Force," has died at the age of 69. His death followed a "long illness," according to his agent.
Alan Titchmarsh, who hosted "Ground Force" alongside Walsh and Charlie Dimmock from 1997 to 2002, paid tribute to his former co-star, calling him a "force of nature." Titchmarsh stated that the five years they spent working together on the popular show, which at its peak drew 12 million viewers, were among the "happiest years of my life." He recalled their time on set fondly, mentioning shared laughter, arguments over garden designs, and Walsh's "merciless teasing."
Walsh's final television appearance was in an episode of "Homes Under the Hammer," which aired shortly before his death on Monday. He had joined the presenter lineup for the BBC auction series in 2021 and continued until 2024.
While the specific cause of death has not been disclosed, Walsh had publicly shared his battles with cancer in recent years. In 2024, he spoke about undergoing radiotherapy for lung cancer, stating at the time that he was "happy" and "not in any pain" as the cancer was shrinking. He had previously battled throat cancer and had a scare with breast cancer two decades ago after discovering lumps.
Before finding fame on "Ground Force," Walsh worked as a builder. The show became a global hit, and Walsh, along with his co-stars, even met then-US President George W. Bush. "Ground Force" concluded in 2005.
Walsh is survived by his wife, Marie, to whom he was married for over 30 years. Tributes have poured in from fans and former colleagues, remembering him as a "force of nature" and a "complete one-off."