Monty Don is set to make his final appearance on Gardeners' World this week, with betting odds indicating the show may continue with a group of presenters rather than a single successor. The 71-year-old gardener announced last month that he is leaving the BBC programme after 23 years, saying it was the "right time for a change".
Final Episode and Succession Odds
Don filmed his last episode at his Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, earlier this month, sharing a bittersweet photo of the camera crew packing up. His final episode airs on Friday, with Adam Frost taking over as host for the final episode of the series next week before it returns in early 2027.
According to William Hill, the odds of an ensemble of presenters have shortened from 5/1 to 9/4. Frances Tophill remains the favourite to take over as lead host, though her odds have drifted slightly from 13/8 to 7/4. Frost is unchanged at 2/1.
Frost's View on the Format
Frost previously suggested in a Sunday Times interview that multiple presenters could share hosting duties. "I'm comfortable being the supply teacher," he said. "Besides, my gut says that when his lordship hangs up his trowel, it won't be any one person. There will be a small group of co-presenters."
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps commented: "With Monty Don's final episode of Gardeners' World approaching, speculation is growing over who will take over from the much-loved presenter. Frances Tophill remains the frontrunner at 7/4, with Adam Frost holding steady at 2/1. However, the big move has been for the show to continue without one main presenter, with an ensemble format now as short as 9/4 from 5/1, following comments from Frost suggesting that is the format he envisages when Don hangs up his trowel."
Other Contenders and Don's Farewell
Other contenders include Arit Anderson, Joe Swift, Rachel de Thame and Nick Bailey. Alan Titchmarsh is at 150/1, with David Beckham at 200/1.
Don announced his departure after a difficult year that saw the death of his dog Patti and his "horribly painful" surgery. He said: "I have decided that the current series of Gardeners' World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow. Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience. But now is the right time for a change. I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."
