Monty Don to leave Gardeners’ World after 23 years
Monty Don has confirmed he will leave the popular gardening programme after the current series (Yui Mok/PA)
Monty Don has announced he will leave after more than 20 years.
The broadcaster, 71, who joined in 2003, will leave the horticulture programme at the end of the current series later this year.
He said: “I have decided that the current series of is to be my last.
“I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.
“Throughout that time – and around 700 programmes – I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable, audience.
“That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.
“I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change.
“I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make.
“And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”
Don, who took over as lead presenter from Alan Titchmarsh, originally presented from the Berryfields in Buckinghamshire.
He took a three-year break from the show after suffering a minor stroke in 2008, and when he returned in 2011, the show moved to his private garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire.
Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer said: “Monty’s decision to leave is one I respect, but I’m still very sad he’s leaving.
“Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening.
“We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!
“I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness, which has seen him open up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health.
“We will miss him on the show hugely. Monty will be presenting BBC from his beautiful Long Meadow gardens until the end of the year, and I look forward to working with him on the BBC on future projects.”
Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios series editor for the programme, who has worked with Don for the past 20 years said: “Monty’s contribution to has been extraordinary.
“Through his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he has inspired millions to discover the pleasure and purpose that getting your hands into the soil can bring.
“I have seen first-hand the care, integrity and generosity he brings to everything he does. His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history.
“All of us on the team, will miss him enormously, but we celebrate everything he has given to the programme, the gardening community and the audience who have welcomed him into their homes every week for over two decades.”
Don made his TV debut in 1989 with a gardening segment on after his home garden had been featured in several publications.
After several repeat appearances, he got additional TV work on BBC shows and
In 1999, he began appearing on Channel 4 gardening series alongside his wife, Sarah Erskine.
This led to work on other production before he joined in 2003.
began airing in 1968 as a 30-minute show and was extended to 60 minutes in 2020.
Previous hosts include Toby Buckland, Geoffrey Smith, Geoff Hamilton and Percy Thrower.
