Monty Don has revealed the precise moment he decided to leave BBC Gardeners' World after more than two decades as its presenter, saying he "just knew" it was time to stop.
The 71-year-old confirmed last month that he would be stepping down from the gardening programme. He succeeded Alan Titchmarsh in 2002, with filming initially taking place at Berrylands before moving to Longmeadow, the home he shares with his wife, Sarah.
A Summer Morning Realisation
In his latest column for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Monty reflected on what prompted his decision. He acknowledged that he had anticipated this moment for some time, but the final choice came when he woke up one summer morning.
Drawing parallels with elite sportspeople considering retirement, he wrote: "Then, one day this summer, I woke up and knew it was time to stop. Simple as that. They say of sportspeople wondering when to retire 'You just know'. Well, I just knew."
Time Growing Limited
Monty explained that his advancing years and the recognition that time was increasingly precious, while he still had numerous ambitions, influenced his decision to step down.
He added: "It was not entirely out of the blue. I am in my eighth decade now and although I am not retiring - heaven forfend - there are programmes I want to make, books I want to write, family I want to spend more time with and my enthusiasm for visiting gardens of all kinds all over the world remains as keen as ever.
"But the time for these things is growing limited. However, I can look back with deep satisfaction at having had the opportunity of sharing my own garden with so many people."
Announcement and Reaction
Monty initially revealed his plans to step down from BBC Gardeners' World through a video posted on his Instagram account. In the clip, he said: "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."
In response to his announcement, the BBC's chief content officer, Kate Philips, said: "Monty's decision to leave Gardeners' World is one I respect, but I'm still very sad he's leaving.
"I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness which has seen him open up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health. We will miss him on the show hugely."
Monty returns to UK screens this evening (23 October) on Gardeners' World at 9pm on BBC One.
