Future of RTE’s Home of the Year & Great House Revival revealed after Hugh Wallace’s death & ‘miss him greatly’ tribute
THE future of RTE’s Home of the Year and Great House Revival has been revealed after Hugh Wallace’s death.
The beloved celebrity architect died suddenly at home aged 68 back in December 2025.
Hugh was the only judge to appear in every series of RTE’s Home of the Year since its inception in 2015 and was well known for his “warmth and humour and for consistently capturing the hearts of viewers”.
The Dublin native had finished filming the 12th season before his death.
RTE have now confirmed that with “the full support” of Hugh’s family, the national station will proceed with the broadcast of his final series in early March.
The Great House Revival, which Hugh fronted for all five seasons, will also be airing its sixth series this spring in “honour of his remarkable dedication, passion, vibrant spirit and enduring love for design and architecture”.
RTE Managing Editor, Video, Sean Mac Giolla Phadaig, issued a tribute to the late legendary host saying: “Hugh had such an enormous place in the hearts of our audience who loved him dearly.
“We’re very grateful to his family and colleagues for allowing us to show Hugh in these final series which showcase his love for architecture and passion for the work he did across both Home of the Year and The Great House Revival.
“We miss him greatly, Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.”
Hugh will be fondly remembered by the teams who worked with him on both TV series in ShinAwiL and Animo TV production companies, and by the loyal viewers who welcomed him into their homes with open arms for so many years.
The popular presenter was in the process of renovating his “dream home alongside his husband Martin Corbett before his passing.
The pair had bought a derelict end-of-terrace house from the 1890s during lockdown and were making it their own when Hugh sadly passed away.
In his final post on social media, Hugh showed off the new kitchen going into the property and gushed: “I can’t wait to get on and start cooking.”
Hugh had previously said he was letting Martin take care of the interior side of things, telling RSVP Home: “I am just going with him and following what he says.
“It’s much easier! He’s got great taste and a good eye for beautiful things.”
Hugh and husband Martin, who is a hair stylist, transformed eight properties together during the course of their relationship.
They celebrated 39 years of being together on Valentines Day earlier this year after first meeting in Dublin gay bar The George.
STAR’S LEGACY
The pair had a civil ceremony in Dublin city in Locke’s Brasserie in 2012 before getting married once the Marriage Equality Act passed.
Outside of his television work, Hugh co-founded the Dublin firm Douglas Wallace Architects and played a key role in developing it into one of Ireland’s most recognisable design consultancies.
Over many decades, he contributed to the design of hotels, retail environments and private homes nationwide.
He frequently emphasised how thoughtful design can foster a strong sense of place and belonging.
He had wanted to be architect since he was four years old, having been inspired by his uncle, but was challenged by an early dyslexia diagnosis.
He studied the architecture at DIT, which is now part of TUD, after taking his Leaving Certificate orally.
And it was there he met Alan Douglas, co-founder of Douglas Wallace Architects.
Hugh’s colleagues at Douglas Wallace Consultants described him as a visionary, a cherished partner and a man whose warmth touched everyone he worked with.
