Tributes have been paid to TV presenter and architect Hugh Wallace following his sudden death at the age of 68.
Wallace, best known to TV audiences as a long-serving judge on the series Home of the Year, had been on the show since 2015. He died at home on Sunday night. His husband, Martin Corbett, confirmed the news in a post on Wallace's Instagram account, saying he was "heartbroken" and asking for privacy at "this deeply painful time".
Speaking to Brendan Courtney on RTÉ Radio 1, interior designer Sarah Cosgrove, who worked with Wallace on Home of the Year, said: "It's just devastating. He was so full of life. I think that was the energy that Hugh brought to everything that he did.
"He was an incredible person and an incredible husband to Martin.
"I met him a few weeks ago, and it was just craic, that is what you were always guaranteed."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Wallace's passing.
Mr Martin said his "advocacy for good architecture, coupled with his wonderful communication skills, performed a wonderful public service".
Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "I'm really saddened to hear of the passing of Hugh Wallace. He was 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 said 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", describing him as "a beloved colleague, inspiring mind, and the warmest of friends".
There has also been a widespread outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends across Irish broadcasting and the design world.
Broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan wrote on Instagram: "So shocked to hear that the truly beautiful, super talented, great fun & incredibly kind man Hugh Wallace has left this world - this photo was taken exactly this week last year. Thinking of his beloved husband Martin at this terribly sad time. Codladh sámh Hugh."
Paying tribute, Oliver Callan said: "The most wonderful, funny, soulful, exquisite gentleman you could ever meet. Our sincere sympathies, Martin."
TV presenter Lucy Kennedy wrote on Instagram: "I loved Hugh, so much fun always. I'm so sorry for your loss, Martin. x"
Presenter James Patrice added: "This is such heartbreaking news. What a wonderful man."
Dancing with the Stars host Jennifer Zamparelli said: "Oh my God, I’m so sorry for your loss. x"
Ireland AM’s Deric Ó h’Artagáin wrote: "Omg, only out with you both on Saturday night at the HIV Ireland Red Ball. We laughed so much with Hugh. Such tragic news."
Designer Gwen Kenny described Wallace as "one in a million", adding: "Genuinely kind, funny and mischievous! The world will be less colourful without you in it. I’ll miss the chats, our laughs and the fun you created."
Irish author John Crotty said Wallace was "never less than a gentleman" and "achingly witty and talented", adding that his "legacy is in the homes and buildings he worked on".
