Irish TV presenter and RTE Home of the Year judge Hugh Wallace has died at the age of 68, his partner Martin Corbett has confirmed
Television presenter Hugh Wallace has tragically died at the age of 68, his partner has announced. The cherished Home of the Year panellist passed away on Sunday evening, with husband Martin Corbett sharing the devastating news on social media.
In a heartfelt message posted to Wallace’s Instagram account, Corbett revealed: “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. Martin.”
The architect was recognised by Irish audiences primarily through his appearances on RTÉ shows including Home of the Year, The Great House Revival and My Bungalow Bliss, where he won over viewers with his infectious enthusiasm for design.
Before entering the world of television, Wallace co-founded Douglas Wallis Architects, a practice responsible for creating numerous hotels, commercial properties and housing developments across Ireland, reports the Irish Mirror.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst has offered his condolences to Wallace, highlighting how the presenter’s genuine passion resonated so powerfully with audiences.
“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,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with his husband Martin, his family, his colleagues in Shinawil, Animo and RTÉ, and his many close associates for whom Hugh was a beloved colleague, inspiring mind, and the warmest of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Wallace leaves behind his husband, hairdresser Martin Corbett. Details of his funeral arrangements are expected to be revealed shortly.
Earlier this year, the presenter opened up on his life with husband Martin, and although they are happily settled at the moment, he calls their lifestyle ‘sort of nomadic’ because they’ve transformed eight properties together over the years, moving address often.
The couple bought a derelict end-of-terrace house during lockdown, which was originally built in 1890, but it’s required a significant amount of renovation work.
The cottage was badly fire damaged, and there was also an issue with wiring and electricity, but they were getting closer to the home being ready.
Speaking to RSVP Home in the spring, Hugh gushed about Martin.
“We were 39 years together on 14 February, 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,” said Hugh.
In interviews, he has also spoken openly about his personal life, including his experience of alcoholism and his decision to seek help, describing himself as having been given “a second chance at life”. He has also been candid about his mental health in the past.
“To say I was in a dark place was putting it mildly,” he told the Independent.
“And when you’re in that place, you don’t know how to speak to someone about it.
“You’re exhausted, apprehensive, ashamed. You feel like you can’t burden someone else. But you can, and you must.”
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