Tommy Walsh, the builder and television presenter best known for Ground Force and Homes Under the Hammer, has died aged 69 following a long illness.

His agent, Debbie Schiesser, confirmed the news to 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.”

Walsh became a household name alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on the BBC’s Ground Force, which ran from 1997 to 2005.

The garden makeover programme attracted up to 12 million viewers at its peak and launched Walsh’s television career.

From builder to television presenter

Born in Hackney, east London, Walsh worked as a professional builder and ran his own property business before finding television fame.

His break came after he carried out renovation work for a BBC producer, who subsequently invited him to audition for a gardening programme.

However, Walsh was initially reluctant to appear on television.

Walsh turned down the opportunity three times. He eventually agreed after discovering his eight-year-old daughter had bet a schoolfriend £10 that he would appear on television.

The decision launched a broadcasting career spanning almost three decades.

Ground Force and Homes Under the Hammer

Following his success on Ground Force, Walsh became a regular fixture on property renovation and DIY programmes.

He presented Challenge Tommy Walsh, Clean It, Fix It, Cowboys and Angels and Tommy Walsh’s Eco House.

His other television credits included Trading Places, Space Invaders and Fix Your House For Free.

In 2021, he joined the presenting team of BBC daytime property programme Homes Under the Hammer.

Alongside his broadcasting work, he published several DIY books based on his experience in the building trade.

Previous cancer diagnoses

Walsh had spoken publicly about several health problems in recent years.

In 2022, doctors diagnosed him with throat cancer after discovering a lump during a GP appointment. He underwent treatment and subsequently recovered.

However, further health concerns emerged in 2023 when doctors discovered a tumour in his lung.

Speaking at an event for The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer charity, Walsh revealed that doctors had found a three-centimetre lung tumour.

Earlier, in 2002, Walsh discovered two lumps on his chest. Although both proved benign, the experience prompted him to raise awareness of breast cancer in men.

His agent has not disclosed the precise cause of his death.

Walsh leaves behind his wife, Marie, and their three children, Charlotte, Natalie and Jonjo.