Ground Force star Tommy Walsh dies aged 69 after long illness as family share statement
He has had a few health scares over the yearsGround Force star Tommy Walsh has died aged 69 following a long illness, with his family by his side.
The much-loved television presenter, best known for his appearances alongside Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock on the BBC gardening show, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Tommy Walsh’s death was confirmed by his agent, Debbie Schiesser, who issued a statement on behalf of his family asking for privacy at this difficult time.
The news follows the presenter’s previous battles with throat cancer and a lung tumour, for which he underwent treatment in recent years.
Tommy Walsh dies aged 69 as family ask for privacy
Confirming the sad news of Tommy Walsh’s death, his 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.”
The statement did not reveal further details about the illness that led to his death.
Following the announcement, Old Parmiterians FC paid tribute to Tommy on X, remembering his years playing as a goalkeeper for the London football club.
The club’s touching message included the words: “He will be sorely missed. RIP Tommy.”
Tommy Walsh’s cancer diagnosis and treatment
Before his death, Tommy Walsh had spoken openly about his previous cancer diagnoses and treatment.
In 2022, doctors discovered a malignant lump in his throat during a routine GP appointment concerning an unrelated health issue.
The Ground Force presenter underwent surgery to remove the lump and made a recovery from throat cancer.
He was even able to return to playing football following his recovery.
However, Tommy subsequently revealed another health concern during a charity event in 2023.
The television star reportedly told attendees that doctors had discovered a three-centimetre tumour in his lung. An emergency appointment was arranged for the following morning.
Tommy Walsh revealed lung tumour had shrunk after radiotherapy
In June 2024, Tommy shared a positive update about his health, revealing that targeted radiotherapy had successfully shrunk his lung tumour.
Speaking to the Mirror, he explained that he had undergone stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, also known as SABR.
The treatment delivers highly targeted radiation to a tumour.
At the time, Tommy said the treatment had worked and revealed that he was not experiencing any pain.
His family’s statement confirming his death did not specify whether his earlier cancer diagnoses were connected to his final illness.
Tommy Walsh’s television career and Ground Force fame
Tommy Walsh became a household name thanks to his role on the hugely popular BBC gardening makeover programme Ground Force.
Alongside fellow presenters Alan Titchmarsh and Charlie Dimmock, Tommy helped transform gardens across Britain, becoming known for his practical building skills and down-to-earth personality.
Read more: Monty Don leaves viewers in tears as he signs off on Gardeners’ World for the final time
The programme became a major television success, attracting audiences of up to 12 million viewers at its peak.
Tommy went on to enjoy a successful television career beyond Ground Force, appearing on several popular property and home improvement programmes.
These included Homes Under the Hammer and Flip That House with Tommy Walsh.
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