Frances Tophill, one of the prominent presenters on BBC's Gardeners' World, has addressed speculation about her potentially replacing Monty Don when he eventually departs from the show. Monty, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, remains a central figure on the programme, but questions about his successor have been mounting.
Frances Tophill's Stance on Replacing Monty Don
Frances, 36, who has been part of Gardeners' World for over a decade, has made it clear she does not see herself as Monty's replacement. In an interview with The Sunday Times, she expressed her deep respect for Monty, stating: "I have a huge respect for Monty – it is such a generous thing to give your garden space to the nation and he does it so well. I hope he never leaves. Broadcasting is not my day job; my day job is being a gardener."
This is not the first time Frances has pushed back against such suggestions. In a previous interview with The Telegraph, she recounted an experience after covering for Monty in a 2023 episode. She helped a friend sell plants but was overwhelmed when people flocked to her, not for the plants, but because they recognised her from the show. She said: "That's when I got a glimpse of what being Monty must be like… I don't want that."
Frances Tophill's Role at Chelsea Flower Show
Frances' comments come as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show gets underway. She is currently designing a garden alongside Alan Titchmarsh, Sir David Beckham, and King Charles III. When asked about working with the monarch, Frances told The Telegraph: "Everyone keeps saying that he's so detail focused that he'll notice all the tiny things." She also mentioned searching for the right gnome as a tribute to the King's Highgrove garden, adding: "He hides it in the stumpery for the gardeners to find."
In an official statement on the King's Foundation website, Frances elaborated on the experience: "I'm so excited to share my first garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show. With input from His Majesty The King, Alan Titchmarsh and Sir David Beckham, I've had a lot of fun incorporating elements both celebrating their involvement and ideas they have contributed. With sustainability front and central for His Majesty, there are no man-made materials being used in the garden, and it will be a concrete free construction."
Frances' dedication to gardening over television fame underscores her passion for the craft, as she continues to make her mark in the horticultural world.
