Monty Don, the beloved host of Gardeners’ World, has responded to backlash over his recent comments regarding his future on the popular BBC show. In an exclusive chat with The Telegraph, Monty clarified his remark about potentially stepping down before turning 70, reassuring fans that he’s not retiring just yet.
Monty, who has been presenting Gardeners’ World since 2003, sparked concern in 2023 when he hinted that he might consider stepping away from the programme as he approached his 70th birthday. The gardening icon’s comment about stepping down prompted an outpouring of support and concern from his long-time viewers, who were left wondering about the future of the show.
In a candid reflection on his earlier statement, Monty admitted, “I got a bit of stick for that. I said it at the end of a very long year and I was exhausted. I can’t go on forever.” However, he quickly reassured fans that, for now, he’s staying put. “I’d be very happy to do another five years. If the BBC renew my contract, I’d happily take it,” Monty added, putting fears of his imminent departure to rest.
Despite these reassurances, Monty has continued to contemplate his future on the show. His initial remark about retiring came during a conversation on Times Radio in 2023. “The logical thing to do would be to eventually step away from the show,” he explained at the time. Monty, who was 68 years old at the time, noted that while he enjoyed making television and writing books, he also desired to preserve his energy for those projects. “The serious point is I will be 70 in two years’ time,” he said.
Monty emphasized that Gardeners’ World, though rewarding, could become a “remorseless treadmill,” suggesting that he would be willing to give it up if necessary to focus on his other passions, particularly travel documentaries. These documentaries have taken him to stunning gardens around the world, from America to Italy to France.
Looking ahead, Monty has shared his vision for the future of Gardeners’ World. He revealed that, when the time comes for him to step down, he would prefer to see a female presenter take over, someone who embodies the diversity of modern Britain and could bring an urban perspective to the show. “The world’s changing; we need to change with it,” Monty said. “In many ways, it’s likely I’m the last middle-aged, middle-class white male with a large garden doing Gardeners’ World, which is fine.”
Monty Don has been an integral part of Gardeners’ World for over two decades, having taken over from Alan Titchmarsh in 2003. While Monty briefly stepped away from the show in 2008 due to illness, he made a triumphant return in 2011 and has since continued to captivate audiences with his knowledge and passion for gardening.
Despite the ongoing discussions about his future on Gardeners’ World, Monty remains dedicated to the show. He films it from his beloved Longmeadow garden in Herefordshire, where he lives with his wife, Sarah, whom he married in 1983. The couple shares three children and has built a life centered around their passion for gardening.
Looking to the future, Monty continues to explore new projects, including his new show, Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens, which airs tonight at 7pm, followed by Gardeners’ World at 8pm on BBC Two. In addition to his work on the gardening programme, Monty has been working on travel documentaries, taking his love for gardening beyond the borders of the UK.
For now, it seems that Monty’s fans can rest easy — he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Although he has hinted at possibly shifting his focus to other ventures in the future, Monty remains committed to Gardeners’ World and the gardening community that has supported him for so many years.
In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy Monty’s expert insights and warm presence on Gardeners’ World, with plenty more gardening adventures to come.
Source: Wales Online
