Wallace will also be appearing in the new series of ‘The Great House Revival’ on RTÉ
The first episode was dedicated to its late star, architect Hugh Wallace. He died suddenly at his Dublin home on December 1, shortly before his 69th birthday and just weeks after filming ended for the programme.
Larry Bass, producer and chief executive of ShinAwil, told the Irish Independent that Wallace’s husband, Martin Corbett, was “100pc supportive” of the show airing after his passing.
“The first conversations I had with Martin in the days after Hugh passed, he was saying, ‘Well, obviously everything will go ahead’,” Mr Bass said.
“We waited a while. The show was delayed to put a little bit of distance between his passing and the transmission date.”
He added that, knowing Hugh, the only original judge from the season one, he would “love this show to be seen”.
“He loved being on the show; he loved meeting the Irish public,” Mr Bass added.
“He only had love for the show and, if we didn’t allow the show that he put so much effort into to see the light of day, then we would be doing a disservice to his memory.”
Wallace’s sudden death last year was terrible for the cast and crew, and all those who knew him, Mr Bass said.
“We lost, not just someone who was brilliant on the show, but he was a friend. He was great company and a colossus when it came to television,” he added.
“The effect on the Irish public is massive. You could see from the outpouring of affection that came when he passed. This is a guy who touched so many people’s hearts.”
The first episode featured a tribute to Hugh Wallace in the credits
The Dublin star, who had been due to move into his newly-renovated home, had been in “flying form” during filming for season 12.
“His concern was for his husband, Martin, who was going through the grief of losing one of his parents,” Mr Bass said. “That’s why it was so strange to get that call to say that he had passed in the middle of the night.”
Asked what viewers might make of the new season of Home of the Year, Mr Bass said he hoped it was a fitting tribute to Wallace’s legacy.
“I would like to think people who had a fondness for Hugh would appreciate that this is the last series they’re going to see him in,” he said.
“It is very sad, but, with entertainment, the show always goes on.
“And we have to deliver the show and also look at next year, as we have done many times on various other shows. We have always had to replace people.
“These are huge shoes to fill.”
Wallace will also feature in The Great House Revival, which airs from March 15.
The home of Áine and her children in Dublin is featured in episode one
RTÉ’s managing editor for video, Seán Mac Giolla Phadráig, paid tribute to the legacy Wallace left behind as one of Ireland’s best-known architects.
“Hugh had such an enormous place in the hearts of our audience, who loved him dearly,” he said.
“We are very grateful to his family and colleagues for allowing us to show Hugh in this final series, which showcases 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.”
The series is described as honouring his “remarkable dedication, passion, vibrant spirit, and enduring love for design and architecture”.
Wallace was his usual jovial self in the opening episode of the series as he explored three competing homes with co-stars Amanda Bone and Siobhan Lam.
Architect Bone said this series of Home of the Year was “the most enjoyable yet”.
She said the last thing Wallace said to her was “give me a huge and a kiss – and thank you, for the insight and for the laugh”.
At one point during a visit to a stunning Kildare home, Wallace urges Bone to hop onto the homeowners’ bed with him. It’s a sweet scene between the pair, as he says: “Come on Amanda, get on. Over you come.” The pair are then seen clutching each others’ hands as they enjoy the view out to the leafy garden.
This is the home that was chosen by the three judges to go ahead to the overall final. Bone also uses her ‘golden key’ to send through a Dublin family home as well.
The episode finished with a portrait of the late architect and the words: “For our friend, Hugh Wallace.”
‘Home of the Year’ airs on Tuesdays at 7pm on RTÉ One