Alan Titchmarsh has revealed that 60 years of gardening have left him with a bad back. The 71-year-old ITV daytime star admitted to Wise Living Magazine that he suffers from backache due to decades spent hunched over tending to plants.
Despite the physical toll, Titchmarsh expressed his love for gardening, calling it “the most glorious privilege” to beautify the earth. He lives in Hampshire with his wife Alison, surrounded by nature.
The former Ground Force star also disclosed that he lost over a stone during the pandemic lockdown by maintaining his garden without professional help. He worked from 9am to 6pm daily, tending to an acre of “proper garden” and three acres of wildflower meadow and a wildlife pond.
In 2014, Titchmarsh revealed he takes statins to lower his cholesterol, following a family history of heart disease. His father died of a heart attack at age 62. The TV presenter admitted he does not like taking tablets but follows his doctor’s advice.
Titchmarsh now hosts the ITV show Love Your Weekend, which he described as filling a gap for viewers who want an alternative to politics or cooking shows on Sunday mornings. The programme features gardening tips and celebrates British countryside, art, crafts, and produce.
