Hugh Wallace, a beloved television presenter and architect who became a household name through popular property shows, has died at the age of 68. The Dublin-based architect was widely recognized for hosting RTÉ's "Home of the Year" and the BBC's "The Great House Revival," bringing architecture and design into living rooms across Ireland and beyond.
The news of Wallace's passing was shared by his husband Martin Corbett through a heartfelt post on Wallace's Instagram account. "It is with deep sadness and shock that I share the news that my beloved husband and soulmate, Hugh Wallace, passed away at home last night. I am heartbroken," Corbett wrote, asking for privacy during this difficult time.
Wallace had established himself as a familiar and respected figure in the world of home renovation and design television. He served as the only judge to appear in every season of "Home of the Year" since the show first premiered in 2015, becoming an integral part of the program's success. In "The Great House Revival," he followed homeowners through their challenging journeys as they worked to restore derelict or neglected historical properties, showcasing his passion for preserving architectural heritage.
Beyond his television career, Wallace was a founding partner of the architectural firm Douglas Wallace Consultants. The company released an emotional statement on their website, expressing their profound loss. "It is with deep sadness and shock that we share the news that our beloved Hugh Wallace. We are heartbroken. His passion, creativity and warmth touched colleagues, audiences, and friends across the country," the statement read.
Irish political leaders also paid tribute to Wallace's significant contributions to the country's cultural landscape. Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Wallace's passing, praising his "advocacy for good architecture, coupled with his wonderful communication skills," which "performed a wonderful public service." Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris described Wallace as "a character larger than life with a booming voice who made such an important contribution to Irish life by providing entertaining programmes but also in teaching us the importance of restoration and architecture."
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst offered a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Wallace's lasting impact on both audiences and the television industry. "Wallace's passion for creative design and his advocacy for the wider benefits of good architecture made him a hugely popular figure with audiences and across the industry," Bakhurst said. He emphasized how "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."
Wallace's legacy extends far beyond entertainment, as he successfully bridged the gap between professional architecture and public appreciation for good design. Through his television work, he educated countless viewers about the importance of thoughtful architecture and historic preservation, making these complex topics accessible to everyday audiences. His warm personality and expertise helped transform how people think about their living spaces and the built environment around them.
