Monty Don has provided an update on his future with Gardeners' World following a knee replacement in October. The 70-year-old broadcaster described the recovery as “horribly painful” but said he is now gardening again and no longer uses a walking stick.
Don underwent surgery shortly after his 70th birthday, citing increasing difficulty with mobility during filming. “I was finding by the end of a day’s filming I could barely walk upstairs,” he told Saga Magazine. “I did it so I could keep on working because it was getting to the point where filming was cutting round me limping.”
Despite the successful operation, Don acknowledged that he will eventually need a second knee replacement, likely in late 2027. He also revealed that discussions are underway to extend his role on Gardeners’ World until at least 2028, though he admitted he may be “closer to the end of his run than the beginning.”
Don has presented the BBC programme since 2003, with a break between 2008 and 2011. He said each contract renewal prompts serious consideration, but so far both he and the BBC have chosen to continue. “There will come a time when either they’ll say, ‘No, thanks’ or I’ll say, ‘It’s time for a change’. But neither of us, as far as I know, has reached that point yet.”
The horticulturist also spoke about the recent death of his dog Peggy, aged 16, and hinted at getting another dog. “I think I’m good for one more dog, at least,” he said. Don and his wife Sarah currently have two dogs, Ned and Patti, at their Herefordshire home, Longmeadow.
