Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don has revealed that he and his wife Sarah lost everything in the 1987 stock market crash. Speaking to The Times, Don said: 'We lost everything: our house, business, furniture. For about two years, we literally had no money. I was claiming the dole. We were severely in debt.'
The jewellery business he ran with his wife collapsed after Black Monday, the global crash that sparked fears of instability. Don said it took him seven years to pay back the debt, adding: 'With hindsight, maybe we were stupid — maybe we should have just said: We can't do this.'
Don began writing a gardening column for the Mail on Sunday in 1989 and soon started presenting a live gardening segment on This Morning. He later took roles on BBC shows Holiday and Tomorrow's World, despite doubts about his presenting ability, because he needed the work.
He became the main presenter of Gardeners' World in 2003, succeeding Alan Titchmarsh. Don and his wife have three grown-up children: Adam, Tom and Freya.
Don also revealed that he has been asked to appear on Strictly Come Dancing four times but has declined each time. 'I am without question the world's worst dancer,' he told The Times. 'I don't like or understand dancing.'
