Monty Don to step down from Gardeners' World after 23 years
Monty Don has announced he is leaving the BBC programme Gardeners' World after 23 years, saying the current series will be his last.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Monty Don has announced he is to leave the BBC programme Gardeners' World after 23 years, bringing an end to one of television's most beloved gardening shows. The 71-year-old presenter made the surprise announcement during the current series, saying that now was the right time for a change.
Don has presented the show from his own garden at Longmeadow in Herefordshire, where the programme became known for more than just practical advice. Viewers shared in the quiet moments of birdsong, the hum of a summer afternoon, and the slow rhythms of the seasons. His personal reflections, including the loss of his beloved dog Nigel and his own struggles with illness and depression, turned the programme into a source of comfort and a reminder of the healing power of gardening.
One memorable moment came when he cut down his box hedge after it was struck by blight, a decision that resonated with millions who had faced the same problem. He recalled planting the hedge as cuttings 15 years earlier, and how his children had grown up alongside it, saying that the garden was bound up with his family's life.
Don's announcement has come as a surprise to fans and colleagues alike. He has not yet detailed what he plans to do next, but said the decision was his own and that he felt the time was right. The current series of Gardeners' World will be his last, bringing to a close an era that has defined the show for more than two decades.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One |
|---|---|
| Gardeners' World has been presented from Don's garden at Longmeadow in Herefordshire. | |
| Monty Don is 71 years old. | |
| Monty Don is leaving Gardeners' World after the current series. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The BBC's coverage focused on the emotional and personal significance of Don's departure, framing it as an unexpected announcement that marks the end of an era. It highlighted his connection to Longmeadow, his resilience through illness and loss, and the programme's role in offering viewers a sense of calm and healing, rather than dwelling on logistics or future plans.
- “But today he took everyone by surprise when he announced that this current series of the show is going to be his last”
- “I have a big piece of news to share with you because I've decided that This is to be my last series of gardeners world”
- “the weekly visit to the Zen calm of Longmeadow a Reminder the healing power of a garden”
Broadcast Timeline
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