Monty Don makes his final appearance on Gardeners' World on Friday night, bringing a 23-year tenure on the BBC programme to a close.
Fans have expressed their devastation on social media ahead of the last-ever episode with the presenter. While there are no plans to cancel Gardeners' World, the departure marks a pivotal and vulnerable moment for the programme, which has long been associated with Don and his home, Longmeadow.
A Long Goodbye
For more than two decades, Don and Longmeadow have welcomed viewers into the show. Other presenters have grown popular over the years, but Don has become the face of Gardeners' World, leaving the BBC to navigate the programme without its central figure.
After the broadcaster confirmed that Friday's episode (6 November) would be his last, viewers shared their reactions on Instagram.
Fan Reactions and Comparisons
"The words 'Welcome to Gardeners' World' will never sound the same," replied one fan. "You will be sincerely missed by so many," added another. "We shall all be so sad to see you go! Thank you for all your garden inspiration and expertise. Friday nights won't be the same without you!" mused a third. "So, so sad. [You] will be so terribly missed; it will not be the same," noted a fourth.
Gardeners' World has yet to announce a replacement for Don. The situation draws comparisons to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exit from Strictly last December, when their departure left a noticeable gap in the show and prompted fan complaints about their replacements within a week.
Looking Ahead
While Gardeners' World features an ensemble of stars, fans may find Don's exit difficult to adjust to after 23 years. Many viewers have grown up with the presenter, and others have credited him with helping them through difficult times, including Covid.
Given the show's 58 years on the air, the next few seasons post-Don may struggle to draw record-breaking numbers, but the programme continues without him.
