Monty Don has announced he will be leaving BBC's Gardeners' World after 23 years, with his departure set to take place after the current series concludes in a few weeks.
The 71-year-old has been the face of the BBC One programme for more than two decades, sharing his gardening expertise with audiences. Since 2011, he has welcomed viewers into his own garden, Longmeadow in Hertfordshire, often accompanied by his dogs.
Not Retiring from Television
Despite stepping down from Gardeners' World, Monty Don is not retiring from television altogether. He is currently working on an upcoming BBC travel series called Island Gardens.
Following the announcement of his departure, Monty Don released a heartfelt statement. He shared: "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."
Previous Comments Hinted at Departure
He added: "I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change."
Monty then cheekily added: "And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."
His departure was signalled by previous comments. In 2023, Monty described filming Gardeners' World as a "remorseless treadmill", which drew criticism from fans at the time.
Earlier Remarks on His Future
The following year, while speaking to The Telegraph, he explained that while he would "happily" do it for a few more years, he pointed out that he "can't go on forever". He shared: "I got a bit of stick for that [previous comment]. I said that at the end of a very long year and I was exhausted. I can't go on forever. But I'd be very happy to do another five years. If the BBC renews my contract, I'd happily take it."
Gardeners' World is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
