Monty Don will present his final episode of Gardeners' World this Friday, 6 November, bringing to a close a 23-year association with the BBC programme. The 71-year-old, who stepped down from the role earlier this year, confirmed the date in a video shared with fans of the horticultural series.
An emotional farewell from Longmeadow
In the video, Don said: "This Friday will be my very last Gardeners World. It began 23 years ago, 16 years we've been filming in this garden with my various dogs and that's come to an end." He added: "But it's a brilliant programme as ever and it's been a complete privilege to be part of it. So join me on Friday for the last time."
The clip showed Don walking away with his dog, calling to his canine companion: "Okay Ned. Shall we go?" The BBC Instagram account accompanied the video with a message noting it is "the end of an era as Monty presents his final programme of this series from Longmeadow this Friday," inviting viewers to "Tune in at 8pm on BBC Two for an emotional farewell to a much-loved chapter of Gardeners' World."
A 23-year career on the show
Don previously announced his departure, saying: "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 reflected on "around seven hundred programmes" and the "privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience."
He said the connection with millions "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." 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."
Don promised the move does not signal the end of his TV career, saying: "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."
From This Morning debut to Gardeners' World
Born in Germany and raised in England, Don made his television debut on This Morning in 1989 after his home garden was featured in several publications. He later appeared on BBC shows Holiday and Tomorrow's World and has published over 25 books since 1990. In 2002, Alan Titchmarsh recommended him as the replacement lead presenter of Gardeners' World, making Don the first self-taught horticulturist presenter in the show's history.
