Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh dies at the age of 69

Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh has died at the age of 69 following a “long illness”, his agent has confirmed.

The broadcaster 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.”

Walsh, from Hackney, London, presented Ground Force alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock.

At its peak, the series attracted 12 million viewers.

Walsh, a builder by trade, later appeared on other home improvement shows including Homes Under The Hammer and Clean It, Fix It.

He was also a contestant on weight loss show Celebrity Fit Club, and appeared on Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank and quiz show Pointless.

Walsh was previously diagnosed with throat cancer in 2022 after a doctor found a lump during a GP appointment. The presenter made a full recovery.

Prior to his television career, Walsh ran his own property business.

One of his clients was a TV producer who invited him to a screen test, kickstarting his career in front of the camera.

He was married to his wife Marie and was a father to three children: Charlotte, Natalie and Jonjo.

Published: 09/11/2026 by Radio NewsHub