Monty Don has revealed the exact moment he knew it was time to step down from Gardeners' World, saying he woke up one morning this summer and simply "knew" it was time to stop.
The presenter, who confirmed his departure in September, told Gardeners' World magazine: "The commute is delightfully short, but when I go home I take the job with me seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 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."
Why Monty Don decided to leave
Monty explained that his decision was driven by a desire to focus on other projects and spend more time with his family. "There are programmes I want to make, books I want to write, family I want to spend more time with," he continued. "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."
Although he hasn't given a specific reason for his exit, he noted that now is the "right time for a change".
23 years and seven hundred programmes
In a statement, Monty 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."
He added: "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. That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived."
Final shoot at Longmeadow
Monty concluded: "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."
Sharing an update on Instagram on October 7, Monty revealed that he had completed his final shoot at his Herefordshire home. Fans responded in the comments, with one writing: "So sad. Thank you for sharing Longmeadow with us and for igniting the joy of gardening." Another remarked: "I'm bereaved already; it will not be the same on Gardeners' World." A third added: "Going to miss that opening 'Hello' Thank you for years of inspiration."
