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BBC presenter Hugh Wallace has died aged 68.
Hugh, who was an architect by trade, passed away ‘suddenly’ at home on Monday evening, his husband Martin Corbett confirmed yesterday.
The Dublin-born star was best known as the host of The Great House Revival and he was also the face of My Bungalow Bliss.
During his career, Hugh also worked as a judge on Home Of The Year, which was shown on Irish broadcaster RTE.
The news was announced by Martin on Instagram, as he wrote: ‘It is with deep sadness and shock that I share the news my husband and soulmate Hugh Wallace passed away suddenly at home last night.
‘I am heartbroken. Please respect my privacy at this deeply painful time.’
Hugh became popular with telly fans thanks to his witty personality and charisma on-screen over the years.
As well as working in showbiz, Hugh also founded Dublin-based firm, Douglas Wallace Architects.
The firm is currently one of the country’s most desirable design consultancies.
A statement on the firm’s website read: ‘It is with deep sadness and shock that we share the news that our beloved Hugh Wallace passed away.
‘We are heartbroken. Hugh was widely known and admired for his work as presenter of The Great House Revival and as a judge on Home of the Year.
‘His passion, creativity and warmth touched colleagues, audiences, and friends across the country. May he rest in peace.
‘The offices of Douglas Wallace will remain closed as a mark of respect.’
Hugh and Martin celebrated 39 years together on February 14.
Reflecting on their union in a recent interview with RSVP, Hugh said: ‘Isn’t that amazing? You’d think I couldn’t forget that anniversary date, but I did this year. I got the little hint around 11pm.’
Prior to his death, Hugh and his husband Martin were working on their own renovation project of a derelict end-of-terrace house, built in 1890.
Earlier this year Hugh had revealed his hopes of moving in over the summer, after bringing some life back into the fire-damaged property.
Tributes have flooded in for the star following news of his sad passing, including from RTE Director General Kevin Bakhurst who praised his passion for design.
Kevin said Hugh was ‘a hugely popular figure with audiences across the industry’.
He added: ‘Hugh, with his fellow judges, not only opened the door to the most extraordinary homes in Ireland… but he also inspired viewers to engage with the vast possibilities of innovative design.
‘Our thoughts are with his husband Martin, his family, his colleagues in Shinawil, Animo and RTE, and his many close associates.
‘…Hugh was a beloved colleague, inspiring mind, and the warmest of friends.’
The Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin also paid tribute, saying he was ‘deeply saddened’ to hear of Hugh’s passing.
He said his ‘advocacy for good architecture, coupled with his wonderful communication skills, performed a wonderful public service’.
