Ground Force star Tommy Walsh has died aged 69 after a long illness.
His death was confirmed by his agent, Debbie Schiesser, on Monday. She told the Daily Mail: “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.”
The television personality became a household name alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on the BBC garden makeover show Ground Force, which ran from 1997 until 2005.
The programme was one of the biggest television hits of its era, attracting up to 12 million viewers at its peak.
Tommy also appeared on Homes Under the Hammer and presented Flip That House.
His later television work included the BBC makeover series Clean It, Fix It, hosted by Mark Wright, which ended last year.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Tommy had previously battled both lung and throat cancer.
Ground Force star Tommy Walsh has died aged 69 following a long illness. He is pictured at his last public appearance at St Joseph’s Hospice for a flower campaign last year.
Tommy Walsh rose to fame alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on the BBC garden makeover programme Ground Force.
In 2024, Tommy said he was “happy” and “not in any pain” while sharing an encouraging health update during his battle with lung cancer.
He revealed that he was close to remission, saying the cancer was “slowly shrinking and disappearing” as he continued radiotherapy treatment known as SABR.
Tommy had earlier undergone treatment for throat cancer.
The father of three, who had been married to his wife Marie for more than 30 years, first discovered a lump during a cancer awareness campaign in 2022.
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. 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.”
Around two decades earlier, Tommy had faced a breast cancer scare after discovering two lumps on his chest.
Because of his family history, a doctor advised him to see a consultant at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. His sister had undergone a lumpectomy at the same hospital to remove both cancerous and normal breast tissue.
Tommy said: “I just buried myself in my work and then went along for the day surgery, where the lumps were removed under a general anaesthetic.
Ground Force was one of the biggest shows of its time, attracting 12 million viewers at its peak. Tommy is pictured in 2004.
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Tommy played for Old Parmiterians FC before finding fame. The club paid tribute to him on X on Monday.
When Changing Rooms met Ground Force: Anna Ryder Richardson, Andy Kane, Carol Smillie, Tommy Walsh and Charlie Dimmock pictured in 2000.
Tommy pictured with his wife Marie in 2017. The couple had been married for more than 30 years.
Fans also posted tributes on X, with one writing: “We felt like we knew you.”
“It was only then that it sort of hit me that this could actually be serious and I could have breast cancer, like my relatives.”
The tests showed that the lumps were benign, but Tommy said the experience had been “a bit of a wake-up call” about the disease.
Tommy remained a familiar face on television after his breakthrough on Ground Force.
He had worked as a builder before being encouraged to audition by a television producer.
Ground Force became a worldwide success, and Tommy and his co-stars were invited to the White House to meet US President George W. Bush after making two American series, including a New York special produced in the aftermath of 9/11.
The show was cancelled in 2005 after BBC director-general Mark Thompson said it had reached its “natural life” and suggested viewers had grown tired of derivative makeover programmes.
Before finding fame, Tommy played for Old Parmiterians FC.
On Monday, the club posted on X: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tommy Walsh.
“A Parmiters boy, he played for the club for many years in goal before building a successful career as a television personality on shows such as Ground Force. He will be sorely missed. RIP Tommy.”
Fans also shared their memories and condolences on X, with one writing: “We felt like we knew you.”
“Such sad news. RIP Tommy… Ahhh. Sad news, RIP Tommy.”
“RIP Tommy… The thing I remember most about Tommy Walsh is that, for a while, Wilko stores stocked Tommy Walsh-branded nails, screws and brackets. RIP Tommy and Wilko.”
“Rest in peace, Tommy Walsh. We felt we knew you.”
“RIP Tommy Walsh, a devoted @WestHam fan. Well known for his role on Ground Force and other DIY-related television shows.”
“Oh, that’s sad. Tommy Walsh is off to the great patio in the sky. Bless him.”
“I had the pleasure of meeting Tommy Walsh at a charity event once. He was surprisingly down to earth and very funny.”