Hugh Wallace, a renowned architect and beloved television presenter who became a household name in Ireland through his role as a judge on the popular home design show "Home of the Year," has died suddenly at his home at the age of 68. His husband, Martin Corbett, announced the tragic news through a heartfelt statement posted on Wallace's Instagram account, expressing his deep sadness and shock at the unexpected loss.

"It is with deep sadness and shock that I share the news that my beloved husband and soulmate, Hugh Wallace, passed away suddenly at home last night. I am heartbroken. Please respect my privacy at this deeply painful time," Corbett wrote in the emotional tribute. The sudden passing has sent shockwaves through Ireland's entertainment and architecture communities, where Wallace was widely respected and admired.

Wallace became a familiar and cherished figure on RTÉ One, Ireland's national television broadcaster, through his appearances on several popular home and design programs including "Home of the Year," "The Great House Revival," and "My Bungalow Bliss." His infectious enthusiasm for design, sharp eye for architectural detail, and warm, engaging on-screen presence quickly made him a favorite among viewers across Ireland. He held the distinction of being the only judge to appear in every single series of "Home of the Year" since the hit property show first premiered in 2015, establishing himself as an integral part of the program's success and popularity.

Beyond his television career, Wallace was a highly accomplished architect who co-founded Douglas Wallace Architects, a Dublin-based architectural practice that grew under his leadership to become one of Ireland's most respected and well-known design consultancies. Over the course of several decades in the field, he worked on an impressive variety of projects including hotels, retail spaces, and residential homes throughout the country. Wallace was known for his passionate advocacy of good design and frequently spoke about the crucial role that thoughtful architecture plays in creating a genuine sense of place and belonging for communities and individuals alike.

The news of Wallace's passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from Ireland's political and media leadership. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Ireland's Prime Minister, expressed that he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Wallace's death and praised his significant contributions to the field. "Mr. Wallace's advocacy for good architecture, coupled with his wonderful communication skills, performed a wonderful public service," Martin stated in his tribute, highlighting the presenter's ability to educate and inspire the public about design and architecture.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst paid extensive tribute to Wallace, emphasizing his passion for creative design and his tireless advocacy for the broader benefits of good architecture, which made him "a hugely popular figure with audiences and across the industry." Bakhurst noted that "On RTÉ's hugely popular Home of the Year, 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." The broadcasting executive particularly admired Wallace's openness about his personal life story, which "helped so many" people facing similar challenges.

Sarah Cosgrove, an interior designer who worked closely with Wallace as a fellow judge on "Home of the Year," spoke emotionally about her colleague during an interview on RTÉ Radio 1 with Brendan Courtney. "It's just devastating. He was so full of life. I think that was the energy that Hugh brought to everything he did," Cosgrove said. She described Wallace as "an incredible person and an incredible husband to Martin," recalling a recent meeting where he was characteristically full of life and humor, noting that "craic" – Irish slang for fun and good times – "is what you were always guaranteed" when spending time with him.

Throughout his career, Wallace was remarkably candid about his personal struggles and triumphs in various interviews and public appearances. He spoke openly about his experience with alcoholism and his courageous decision to seek help, describing himself as having been given "a second chance at life" through his recovery journey. Using his public profile responsibly, he worked to highlight the critical need for better support systems for people struggling with addiction and consistently encouraged others facing similar challenges to seek help and support.

In recent years, Wallace documented the extensive renovation of his own Dublin home, sharing his ambitious vision to create what he called a "super home for the future." Through this project, he explored and demonstrated important concepts related to sustainability, comfort, and the growing trend of aging in place. His personal renovation projects served as both inspiration and education for viewers and readers interested in thoughtful, forward-thinking home design.

Despite his successful television career, Wallace continued to actively lead his busy architectural practice alongside his broadcasting commitments. He remained a regular and respected commentator on housing issues, design trends, and the important question of how to make a house truly feel like a home. His dual expertise in both the practical and aesthetic aspects of architecture made his insights particularly valuable to both industry professionals and the general public.

Wallace is survived by his devoted husband, Martin Corbett, who works as a hairdresser. In interviews and public appearances, Wallace often spoke warmly about the life they had built together, sharing stories of their shared passion for renovating a series of homes throughout their relationship. He would frequently joke that their mutual love of "doing up houses" had made their life together "a bit nomadic," but it was clear that this shared interest was one of the many bonds that strengthened their partnership and brought them joy throughout their years together.