Monty Don to leave Gardeners' World after 23 years

Monty Don will step down as the host of the BBC programme Gardeners' World at the end of the current series. Don, who is the longest serving head gardener in the show's history, has led the programme for 23 years. In a statement, he said that working on the show was a deeply rewarding experience but noted that now is the right time for a change.

Don joined the programme in 2003, replacing Alan Titchmarsh. He initially presented from Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford upon Avon, before moving the production to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, in 2011. Over the course of approximately 700 programmes, Don has shared his passion for the natural world with millions of viewers. He took a break from the show in 2008 to recover from a stroke.

Kate Phillips, the chief content officer for the BBC, described Don as a unique and engaging broadcaster. She specifically thanked him for his honesty regarding his struggles with depression and his advocacy for the power of nature to improve mental health. Sharon Fisher, the series editor for BBC Studios, described his contribution as extraordinary.

While Don is leaving the show, he intends to continue working with the BBC on other projects and will continue writing books and gardening at Longmeadow. Regarding a successor, a BBC source mentioned that presenter Frances Tophill has been tipped for the role. Other potential candidates mentioned include Adam Frost and Jamie Butterworth.

Coverage of the announcement varied in tone. Center leaning reports focused on the factual timeline of Don's career and official statements from the BBC. Center left framing was more emotive, describing Don's departure as a devastating loss and analyzing how his vulnerability and philosophical approach to gardening transformed the show into a study of patience and resilience.