Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh dies aged 69
The builder-turned-broadcaster, who fronted the BBC garden makeover show alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock, died peacefully after a long illness.
Tommy Walsh, pictured in 2004, was best known for BBC garden makeover show Ground Force. · Photograph: Phil Guest (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh has died after a long illness, his agent has confirmed. He was 69.
The broadcaster was best known for fronting the BBC garden makeover show, which aired from 1997 to 2005.
"Surrounded by his family"
His agent, Debbie Schiesser, told the Press Association: "Tommy died peacefully after a long illness surrounded by his family."
Twelve million viewers
Walsh, from Hackney in London, presented Ground Force alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock. At its peak, the programme attracted 12 million viewers.
A builder by trade, he became known for his cheerful, no-nonsense approach as the team transformed gardens – often in secret – in just a couple of days.
A long television career
After Ground Force, Walsh went on to other home improvement shows, including Homes Under The Hammer and Clean It, Fix It.
He also took part in weight-loss show Celebrity Fit Club and appeared on Lily Savage's Blankety Blank and the quiz show Pointless.
Walsh had spoken publicly about his illness, including at an event for The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer charity in early 2024.