Monty Don Opens Up About Knee Surgery and Future on Gardeners' World
Monty Don, the beloved host of BBC's Gardeners' World, has shared intimate details about his recent knee replacement surgery, describing it as a "horribly painful" experience that left him barely able to walk. The television presenter, who has fronted the gardening programme since 2003, underwent the procedure shortly after his 70th birthday last year, aiming to address severe mobility issues that had plagued him for over a decade.
A Decade of Struggle and Surgical Intervention
Reflecting on the period before his surgery, Monty explained that his knees had been "giving me gyp" for more than ten years, a result of decades spent kneeling in gardens and carrying heavy loads. He revealed that by the end of a day's filming, he could "barely hobble to the end of the garden" and struggled to walk upstairs or take his dogs for a walk. Initially, doctors prescribed painkillers and advised him to "stop digging," but as his condition deteriorated, scans last year confirmed that knee replacements were necessary.
In November 2025, Monty underwent surgery on his worst knee, receiving a titanium and cobalt chrome replacement. The recovery process was "pretty painful and slow," but three months post-operation, he is now gardening again and has not used a walking stick for a month. However, he noted that the pain can be unpredictable, with some days being "inexplicably painful" and others pain-free.
Future Plans and Contract Negotiations
Despite the challenges, Monty is optimistic about his future on Gardeners' World. He disclosed that negotiations are underway for him to continue presenting the series until 2028, and he hopes to be well enough to film another series following his recovery. Monty emphasized that the surgery was intended to help him "keep on working" without limping on camera, as it was "severely limiting" his abilities.
He also addressed the need for a second knee replacement, stating he plans to "fit it in" around his schedule, likely in late 2027. Monty added, "I hope I’m continuing, but as I come up to the end of every contract, I seriously consider how it fits the rest of my life." He expressed that neither he nor the BBC has reached a point where they want to end his tenure, and he enjoys his work too much to consider retirement, quipping, "I don’t play golf or tennis, and I can’t see myself doing the crossword all day... I like work."
Recovery and Resilience
Monty compared his situation to his "40-year-old Land Rover," noting that he has reached a stage in life where "running repairs" are necessary to keep going. With "superb surgical skills," he believes he can continue "ploughing on a bit longer... uncomfortable, noisy, a bit slow and cumbersome to turn, but still working in all weathers." His recovery has allowed him to "do things again" after years of limitations on the show, where he often had to sit more due to his "dodgy knees."
Humorous Anecdotes and New Projects
In a lighter moment, Monty recalled a hilarious incident where cattle invaded his garden at Longmeadow in Herefordshire. He described rushing outside with only a towel, which fell off, leaving him "stark b*****k naked" as he chased the animals away. This story adds a touch of humor to his otherwise challenging health journey.
Looking ahead, Monty has also landed a new BBC series, Monty Don's British Gardens, showcasing his enduring passion for horticulture. Gardeners' World continues to air on BBC Two, with fans eagerly watching his progress both on and off screen.
