Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh dies aged 69
Tommy Walsh, the well-known presenter of the BBC's 'Ground Force', has passed away at age 69 following a long illness. Walsh was a popular television personality and a builder who also advocated for cancer awareness.
Why it matters
Walsh was a significant figure in British television culture, and his public transparency regarding his health diagnoses helped raise awareness for cancer screenings.
Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh has died following a "long illness", his agent has confirmed.
The broadcaster, 69, was best known for fronting the BBC garden makeover show from 1997 to 2005.
Walsh's agent, Debbie Schiesser, told the Press Association: "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."
Born to Irish parents in Hackney, London, Walsh was one of six children.
He presented Ground Force alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on BBC.
At its peak, the series attracted 12 million viewers in the UK.
Walsh, a builder by trade, went on to appear in other home improvement shows including Homes Under the Hammer and Clean It, Fix It .
He was a contestant on the weight-loss show Celebrity Fit Club .
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