“HE DID SOMETHING FOR MY FAMILY THAT I’LL NEVER FORGET”: MARTIN ROBERTS SHARES HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE TO TOMMY WALSH AFTER TV STAR’S dєatᩚh AT 69

As tributes pour in following the dєatᩚh of beloved television presenter Tommy Walsh, his former colleague Martin Roberts has revealed a touching act of kindness that took place 15 years ago. Walsh gave up an entire day of his time, without asking for payment, to help build a shed for Roberts’s disabled cousin — a gesture that has remained unforgettable for the family.

The dєatᩚh of Tommy Walsh, the much-loved presenter best known for BBC gardening programme Ground Force, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from television colleagues, friends and fans.

Among the most emotional messages came from Martin Roberts, the presenter of Homes Under the Hammer, who shared a deeply personal memory of the man he described as a friend and colleague with an enormous heart.

In a heartfelt social media tribute, Roberts revealed that approximately 15 years ago, Walsh volunteered an entire day of his time to help build a shed for his disabled cousin, Harry.

What made the gesture particularly special was that Harry was a huge admirer of the television builder. Rather than simply meeting a fan or posing for a photograph, Walsh took the time to do something meaningful for someone who looked up to him.

Roberts explained that Walsh carried out the work free of charge, asking for nothing in return.

And the memory never faded.

“Harry still talks about that day,” Roberts shared, explaining how much the experience had meant to his cousin even after all those years.

For Roberts, the story was just one example of the generosity that existed behind Walsh’s familiar television personality.

He described his late colleague as a man with a “huge heart” and said he would be very dearly missed.

His tribute ended with an emotional message: “Heavens waiting room is currently having a makeover. God bless you Tommy.”

A KINDNESS THAT LASTED LONG AFTER THE CAMERAS STOPPED ROLLING

Walsh became famous for transforming gardens and helping homeowners improve their properties, but Roberts’s story offered a glimpse into the person viewers rarely got to see behind the cameras.

For someone whose professional life revolved around building, renovating and improving homes, helping a family member of a colleague was apparently something he was willing to do simply out of kindness.

The fact that Harry continued talking about that day 15 years later shows how deeply the experience had affected him.

It was not a television makeover or a carefully planned publicity event. It was a personal act of generosity that left a lasting impression on an entire family.

Roberts’s recollection has also helped fans understand why Walsh was so warmly remembered by the people who worked alongside him.

ALAN TITCHMARSH ALSO PAYS EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE

Martin Roberts was not the only television personality to share memories of Walsh following the news of his dєatᩚh.

Alan Titchmarsh, who worked alongside Walsh on Ground Force, also paid tribute to his former co-star.

The gardening presenter remembered their years together as some of the happiest of his professional life.

He recalled their friendly disagreements over garden designs, the chaos caused by sawdust on set and the moments when an unexpected joke would leave them both laughing uncontrollably.

Titchmarsh described Walsh as a “force of nature” and said he would miss his company and his playful teasing.

Their friendship had developed during the hugely successful BBC gardening programme, where they worked alongside Charlie Dimmock.

The show first aired in 1997 and became one of Britain’s most popular home and garden programmes. At the height of its popularity, it attracted audiences of approximately 12 million viewers.

For many households, the trio became familiar faces, bringing garden transformations, practical advice and entertainment into living rooms across the country.

TOMMY WALSH’S dєatᩚh CONFIRMED AFTER A LONG ILLNESS

Walsh’s dєatᩚh was confirmed on Monday, November 9, 2026. He was 69.

His agent, Debbie Schiesser, confirmed that the television personality had died peacefully after a long illness, surrounded by his family.

The family also requested privacy as they dealt with their loss.

Although Walsh had previously spoken publicly about serious health challenges, including throat and lung cancer, his representative’s announcement did not disclose an official cause of dєatᩚh.

In 2022, Walsh revealed that doctors had discovered a cancerous lump in his throat following a medical appointment. He underwent surgery and subsequently reported that he had recovered.

In early 2024, he also spoke about a tumour discovered in his lung. He later shared encouraging news about his treatment, explaining that targeted radiotherapy had helped shrink the tumour.

His health journey was followed closely by fans who had admired his determination and positive attitude.

FROM BUILDING WORKER TO ONE OF BRITAIN’S BEST-KNOWN TV PRESENTERS

Born in Hackney, London, Tommy Walsh initially built his career in the construction and property business before becoming a television personality.

His practical knowledge and straightforward personality eventually caught the attention of a television producer, who invited him to take part in a screen test.

That opportunity changed his life.

In 1997, he became one of the central faces of Ground Force, working alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock.

The programme became a major success, with the team transforming ordinary gardens into impressive outdoor spaces in a remarkably short time.

Following his success on Ground Force, Walsh continued working in television, appearing in several home improvement and DIY programmes.

His credits included Challenge Tommy Walsh, Tommy’s Ultimate Workshop, Tommy Walsh’s DIY Survival and Clean It, Fix It.

He also became familiar to daytime television audiences through Homes Under the Hammer, where he worked alongside Martin Roberts and other presenters.

His practical expertise, approachable manner and sense of humour made him a popular figure among viewers.

Away from television, Walsh was married to his wife, Marie, for more than 30 years. The couple had three children: Charlotte, Natalie and Jonjo.

FANS REMEMBER MORE THAN HIS TELEVISION LEGACY

Following the announcement of his dєatᩚh, viewers took to social media to share memories of Walsh and the programmes that had made him a household name.

Many remembered his enthusiasm for building, his knowledge of home improvements and the warmth he brought to television.

But Martin Roberts’s story offered something different.

It reminded people that the most meaningful moments in someone’s life do not always happen in front of a camera or before a television audience.

Sometimes, they happen quietly — when someone gives their time to help another person without expecting anything in return.

For Harry, that day spent with his idol was a memory he continued to cherish for 15 years.

For Martin Roberts, it was proof of the kindness of a friend he had lost.

And for the many fans now remembering Tommy Walsh, it is another reason why the beloved television personality will be so deeply missed.

His television work may have introduced him to millions, but it was the kindness he showed away from the cameras that left an equally lasting impression.