Monty Don will front his last episode of the BBC's Gardeners' World on Friday, November 6, bringing to a close a 23-year run as the programme's lead presenter. The 71-year-old horticulturist and broadcaster confirmed his departure in September, and the upcoming show is being billed as an "emotional farewell" to a much-loved chapter of the series.
End of an Era at Longmeadow
Don first presented the programme in 2003, initially from Berryfields and for the past 16 years from his own garden at Longmeadow. Announcing his decision to step down, he said in a statement: "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."
Reflections on a Career
Don also reflected on his time making the show, stating: "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. 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 a video shared on the BBC's official Gardeners' World Instagram account, Don was heard confirming his last episode with his dog Ned by his side: "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. 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."
A Personal Decision
The BBC captioned the clip: "It's the end of an era as Monty presents his final programme of this series from Longmeadow this Friday. Tune in at 8pm on BBC Two for an emotional farewell to a much-loved chapter of Gardeners' World."
Don previously explained his decision in Gardeners' World magazine, writing: "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."
