Adam Frost has spoken publicly for the first time about the possibility of replacing Monty Don as the lead presenter of BBC Gardeners' World, following Don's resignation earlier this year.
Appearing on the Outsiding podcast with Caitlin Moran, Frost was asked directly whether he has his sights set on Don's role. Moran teased: "What's happening with Frosty and Gardeners' World? Tell us, come on."
Frost responds to speculation
Frost kept his response guarded, saying: "I've been away with the family in Bali, and it was lovely. Nobody talked about it at all! I don't know, it's all a bit crackers, really, isn't it?"
He added: "It was a surprise. I suppose, talking to Monty, you get the sense that he was getting to the point of going, 'Actually, maybe I'll hang the trowel up, I've got other things that I want to do'. I didn't think, necessarily, it was going to come when it did. Then yeah, obviously the whole, 'Who's taking over?'"
When Moran asked, "Do you want to have a crack at it? Do you want to be the king of... do you want Monty's trowel?" Frost replied: "Do you know, hand on heart, I'm really not that worried. I quite like my life the way it is. I've just tried to do what I do and just ignore the outside world and just crack on."
Public backing and fan reactions
Moran told Frost that "literally every person who came to talk to me about this thinks that you should be the presenter and that you are the future king." Frost responded with a joke: "Well, that is very kind, isn't it? But maybe we could do it. That would be interesting, wouldn't it?"
Moran then suggested a joint presenting role, quipping: "Why not have one raging amateur right at the front? That would be amazing! I'm turning on for that." Frost agreed it would be "different", and Moran added: "Let's hatch some plans about that later. We can write that pitch, we can make that happen."
Fans were divided in the comments section of the podcast's Instagram post. One user wrote: "I don't think it really needs one presenter, there's a nice little team well established. I say just let them take it in turns and give us different features. Variety is a good thing! We don't all have a Longmeadow, I like seeing everyone else's less extravagant gardens." Another said: "Would love Frosty to front Gardeners' World with Frances Tophill."
A third commenter noted: "I think it's a bit nuts to try and replace Monty - no-one has a Longmeadow, and listening to him talk about how mad the filming schedule is, it must really take its toll. I think it would be good for everyone's sanity if the baton was passed around. Not take anything away from Adam Frost - love his presenting in his garden."
