Monty Don, the 70-year-old host of BBC's Gardeners' World, has faced a series of personal tragedies in recent years, including a 'terrible' illness and the loss of his beloved dogs. The programme, a British institution since its inception, has seen heartbreaking moments that have deeply affected its fans.
Monty Don's Covid Ordeal
Last summer, Monty revealed he had been struck down by a 'terrible' illness on two occasions, triggering an overwhelming wave of support from his loyal following. In 2023, he caught Covid-19, leading him to inform fans on social media: 'That would explain why I have felt terrible for the past couple of days.' This marked the second time Monty had contracted the virus, having previously been confined to bed for four days, when he told supporters: 'Boy, doesn't it knock you sideways – utterly exhausting.'
Loss of Beloved Pets
This January, Monty lost his Yorkshire Terrier, Patti, just shy of her 16th birthday. She was laid to rest alongside his other late dogs—Nigel, Nell, and Peggy—whom Gardeners' World fans grew to know and adore. Monty has often spoken about the comfort his dogs bring, and their loss has been deeply felt.
Sensory Problems After Covid
During a Greek holiday with friends last year, Monty noticed his sense of smell failed to align with that of his companions. He disclosed that his wife Sarah's sense of smell had been 'dramatically affected' since the Covid outbreak. 'Perfume is almost lost on me,' he told the Gardeners' World Magazine podcast. 'Occasionally, my wife has said, "Which perfume do you prefer?" and they're both exactly the same to me, or the difference is so small that it's not interesting. So clearly that's a lack, but there's nothing I can do about it.'
Poignant Goodbye to a Friend
Monty was inundated with messages of sympathy following his heartfelt farewell to a 'dear friend' named Rosie last year, who died after a battle with cancer. He announced the news on Instagram alongside a moving tribute. Previously, he had discussed gardening's healing qualities when dealing with bereavement during a BBC Radio 4 interview. He said: 'One of the things that has always moved me, and this has often been said by people who are grieving, is that the rhythm of the seasons is a huge comforter. In the bleakest midwinter, you trust that spring will come, that the blossom will appear.'
Terminal Cancer Diagnosis of Contributor Steve
A Gardeners' World contributor named Steve disclosed his heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis on the programme alongside his wife, Pippa. Viewers were reduced to tears as Steve revealed it could be 'two months or two years, possibly' before his death. Nevertheless, his uplifting outlook endures, with Steve viewing his cancer as a 'new challenge' during the emotional episode that aired earlier this month.
These tragedies highlight the personal struggles behind the serene world of gardening, reminding viewers of the resilience and vulnerability of those who bring beauty to their screens.
