Brendan Courtney Steps In to Complete ‘The Great House Revival’ Following Hugh Wallace’s Passing

TV presenter Brendan Courtney has taken on the significant task of finishing The Great House Revival, stepping into the role of his late friend and celebrated architect, Hugh Wallace. The transition marks a poignant moment in Irish broadcasting, as Courtney seeks to honor the vision and passion Wallace brought to the architectural series.

A Sudden Loss to the Architectural Community

The architectural world was shaken by the unexpected death of Hugh Wallace on December 1, 2025. Wallace, described as a “national treasure,” passed away at the age of 68 while he was in the middle of filming the sixth season of The Great House Revival. His death came as a shock to colleagues and friends, including Courtney, who had spent time with Wallace and his husband, Martin Corbett, just days before his passing.

Brendan Courtney’s Transition to Host

In February 2026, RTÉ announced that Brendan Courtney would step in to complete the series. For Courtney, the decision was driven by a deep personal connection and a desire to do justice to a project Wallace was passionate about. While Courtney admitted to feeling “a bit scared” of the challenge, he viewed it as a privilege to ensure the show was completed correctly.

The emotional weight of the transition was highlighted by the circumstances under which Courtney first shared the news. While filling in for Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio 1 on the Monday following Wallace’s death, Courtney received a phone call informing him of the passing, followed by a text from Martin Corbett granting permission to announce it to the public on air.

Continuing the Legacy of ‘The Great House Revival’

As the final episodes of the series air, Courtney continues to draw strength from his friendship with Wallace. He has shared that he still “talks” to the late architect while driving to shoots, seeking guidance and signs to ensure the work meets Wallace’s high standards. This commitment to authenticity and professionalism has been central to Courtney’s approach as he navigates the “big boots” left by Wallace’s enthusiasm and sharp architectural eye.

Key Takeaways: The Transition of The Great House Revival

• The Loss: Architect Hugh Wallace passed away unexpectedly on December 1, 2025, at age 68.
• The Succession: Brendan Courtney was announced by RTÉ in February 2026 as the presenter to finish the series.
• Personal Connection: Courtney and Wallace were close friends; Courtney had been with Wallace the Friday before he passed.
• Professionalism: Courtney first announced Wallace’s death to the public while broadcasting on RTÉ Radio 1.

Looking Forward

The completion of The Great House Revival serves as both a professional milestone for Brendan Courtney and a tribute to Hugh Wallace’s lasting impact on Irish architecture and television. By stepping into this role, Courtney ensures that Wallace’s final project reaches the audience, preserving the legacy of a man described as “one of a kind.”