Prepare to have your day ruined, Monty Don has announced he is leaving Gardener’s World after more than 20 years. The 71-year-old has been the longest-serving head gardener on the show but has announced it is time for something different.
"I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World 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,” Monty said.
"Throughout that time - and around seven hundred 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.”
George Montague Don, who first aired on TV in 1989 with a gardening segment on ITV’s This Morning, has had a long and decorated career. He replaced Alan Tichmarsh on Gardener’s World in 2003.
Along with his work on Gardener’s World, Don has also presented shows including Around the World in 80 Gardens, My Dream Farm, Mastercraft’s and been a regular host for the Chelsea Flower Show.
"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,” Don said.
"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."
No replacement host has been announced yet, but Monty Don will continue to host for the rest of the year.
“Monty’s decision to leave Gardeners World 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,” said Kate Philips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer.
Monty was the 9th lead presenter, with the show starting with Ken Burras in 1968. While Don was replaced temporary in 2008 by Toby Buckland, he has otherwise lead the show this whole time, leaving behind big shoes to fill.
