Alan Titchmarsh has spoken about his "dull" childhood in Yorkshire, saying it gave him a "good grounding" for life and career. The 76-year-old, born in Ilkley near Bradford shortly after the Second World War, reflected on his upbringing during an appearance on the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast.
The former Gardeners' World host recalled that Sundays were often "very boring", involving visits to his grandmother or walks. He said: "It wasn't spectacular but on reflection, the grounding it gave you as a child was quite good." He added that "you never dared say" you were bored, as his parents would find tasks for him to do.
Titchmarsh also credited his childhood with helping him value his own company. His father once said he was a "loner, but never lonely". The broadcaster explained that while his television and radio work is sociable, writing is solitary, and he is comfortable being alone. "That would drive me nuts," he said of people with entourages, adding that he loves being with family but needs solitude as a counterpoint.
The father of two has also revealed his decision to downsize from his £3.9million Georgian estate in Holybourne, Hampshire, which has been on the market since September. Speaking to BBC Gardeners' World magazine, he said: "It's time. Time to downsize - a little - as those of us in relatively senior years are regularly told we would be wise to do." He added: "The day will come when it starts to be overwhelming and I'd rather move on to fresh pastures before that becomes the case."
Titchmarsh, who has two daughters, Polly and Camilla, and four grandchildren, appears on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV at 9.30am.
