Tommy Walsh's co-star says replacing him on BBC show 'has to be respected'

01 February 2024 , 12:49

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Tommy Walsh, 67, will be 'definitely missed' by his Homes Under the Hammer colleagues (Image: PA)

The decision to replace Homes Under The Hammer presenter Tommy Walsh "must be respected" says his co-star after Owain Wyn Evans took over the job.

Welsh weatherman Owain, 39, will make his debut when the BBC series next returns to our screens has 'already begun' filming scenes for the popular daytime TV programme. Celebrity builder Tommy, 67, who revealed his throat cancer diagnosis in 2022, is said to have filmed his final scenes last year and will not be returning to shoot more.

Property consultant Moses Bright, who has been filming the show with the BBC crew for the next series, addressed his exit on GB News. He says he will "definitely be missed" as Moses told the programme that he "really cares" about the show and the properties.

Owain Wyn Evans has already filmed his scenes for the BBC series (Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock)

In November he discovered a 'three-centimetre tumour' in his lung (UK Press via Getty Images)

"He's done a fantastic job. Everyone comes with their own personality and I think that's why the show is so good," he said on the channel. "You have Dion (Dublin), you have Tommy, and they all have their own way of doing things and because people can relate to them.

"It's a loved show and when you've watched over time - you can watch every single day, Monday to Friday... it's just unfortunate that he's leaving. "He's been replaced and we have to respect that. He's a family man himself, he's a human being and that was his decision to come off the show so he can take time off to work on his own health and his own wellbeing.

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"But I do know that he will be missed. Definitely. Because of his personality and how he presents, how he relates, how he talks about the property, you can tell his passion there - these are not guys just coming to the show, going on TV to show you that this is a house that's dilapidated, there's a lot of work, and let's see what they're gonna do about it.

"They're actually invested in the show, they care about people - and I got that from Dion. Off the camera, he's talking to you and is really interested in you as a person. Honestly, I wish Tommy all the best and I hope things turn around. And if there's an opportunity for him to come back, I'm sure - definitely viewers would like to see him again doing something like this. So yeah, definitely all the best to him but he will be missed."

"Bosses wanted a makeover to keep younger viewers interested," a TV source has claimed. Speaking to The Sun, the insider added: "They have been keen to get Owain onto one of their popular shows for a while - he will add a new dynamic. The upcoming series will feature both Tommy and Owain as there is a three-month lag with the house makeovers, so there is some crossover."

Former builder Tommy joined the BBC auction property renovation show in 2021 alongside original presenters Martin Roberts, 60, Martel Maxwell, 46, and ex-footballer Dion Dublin, 54. A year later, the DIY guru disclosed his throat cancer diagnosis, having had two benign lumps removed from his chest 20 years earlier. He shared at the time: "I had to go in straight away and have surgery to remove it. I am now fully recovered and even back playing football!"

Sam Elliott-Gibbs