The entertainment and architecture communities are mourning the loss of Hugh Wallace, the celebrated television presenter and architect who passed away at age 68. Wallace gained national recognition as the enduring judge on RTÉ’s popular series “Home of the Year” since its 2015 premiere and hosted the BBC’s “The Great House Revival,” where he documented homeowners restoring neglected historical properties.
Wallace’s husband, Martin Corbett, announced the tragic news through the architect’s Instagram account, expressing profound grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time. “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,” Corbett wrote. “I am heartbroken.”
As a founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants, the architect left an indelible mark on both the professional and public spheres. The firm released an official statement praising Wallace’s extraordinary impact: “His passion, creativity and warmth touched colleagues, audiences, and friends across the country.”
Irish political leaders joined in paying tribute to Wallace’s legacy. Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed being “deeply saddened” by the news, acknowledging Wallace’s “advocacy for good architecture, coupled with his wonderful communication skills” as performing “a wonderful public service.” Tánaiste Simon Harris described him as “a character larger than life with a booming voice who made such an important contribution to Irish life.”
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst highlighted Wallace’s unique ability to connect with audiences: “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 career spanned decades of making architectural appreciation accessible and entertaining to the public, establishing him as one of Ireland’s most beloved television personalities.