Ground Force star Tommy Walsh dies aged 69 following illness

Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh has died at the age of 69, his representative has confirmed.The television personality, best known for starring alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on the hit BBC gardening makeover show from 1997 to 2005, passed away following a long illness, his representative confirmed today (November 9).In a statement provided to The Standard, Walsh’s agent Debbie Schiesser said: "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 has died at the age of 69 following a "long illness", his agent has confirmedPATributes have poured in for the builder-turned-presenter, including from non-league football club Old Parmiterians, for whom Walsh played in goal for many years.The club said in a statement 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 but made a great career as a TV personality in shows such as Ground Force. He will be sorely missed. RIP Tommy."Walsh, who lived in Hackney with his wife Marie and their three children, had previously spoken candidly about his health struggles, having been treated for breast, throat, and lung cancer.Walsh, who lived in Hackney with his wife Marie and their three children, had previously spoken candidly about his health struggles,PA ArchiveThe Homes Under the Hammer presenter revealed in June 2024 that cancer had returned near his lung, but remained optimistic about his treatment.Speaking at the time, he said: “My cancer came back earlier this year... they found it again under the lung.“I had to have this new treatment called SABR, which is targeted radiotherapy. It shrunk the tumour and it was going away. The treatment worked really well for me.”