The much-loved Home of the Year judge, TV presenter and successful architect has sadly passed away at the age of 68 – he is survived by his husband Martin Corbett
Hugh Wallace
Hugh Wallace has died at the age of 68.
Hugh is survived by his husband and partner of almost 40 years, Martin Corbett.
The news of the architect and RTE Home of the Year judge’s death has been confirmed in a statement from his husband.
“It is with deep sadness and shock that I share the news that my husband soulmate, Hugh Wallace, passed away suddenly at home last night,” he wrote. “I am heartbroken.
“Please respect my privacy at this deeply painful time.”
He has been a familiar face on TV screens for years, having appeared on shows like Home of the Year and The Great House Revival.
He was the only judge to appear in every series of Home of the Year, fronting the hit property show since it first aired in 2015.
Away from the TV screen, Wallace was a founding partner of Dublin-based practice Douglas Wallace Architects.
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.
