Entertainment · updated 2h ago · 3 min read
Monty Don Leaves BBC Gardeners’ World After More Than 20 Years
Monty Don will step down as Gardeners' World host after 20+ years. He joined in 2003 and is the show's longest-serving head gardener.
Whether the departure is framed as continuing work vs a clearer “end”.
2 of 3 outlets skipped it: monty previously planned to leave around age 65.
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Good Housekeeping
“Monty has pledged that he'll keep working with the BBC, so is likely to be back on our screens in some capacity.”Read the original ↗
Lifestyle outlets imply different emotional closure despite the shared announcement.
Monty Don steps down
Monty Don announced he will be leaving BBC Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years, saying in a video that it is “time for a change”.
“it was "time for a change"”
Don said: “I have decided that this is to be my last series of Gardeners’ World,” adding that he began hosting the programme 23 years ago and that for the last 16 years “we’ve been here in the garden of Longmeadow”.
The BBC said Don had “inspired and guided millions” since joining the programme in 2003, and it noted that since 2011 he has welcomed audiences into his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, every week.
The Independent reported that Don will step down after more than 20 years on the show, with BBC’s chief content officer Kate Phillips describing him as “very sad” to see him leave.
Rayo also reported that Don told his 1.4 million followers on Instagram that it was “time for a change,” while the current series is set to be his last.
BBC and fans react
Kate Phillips, BBC’s chief content officer, said she “respect[s]” Don’s decision but was “very sad he’s leaving,” describing him as “utterly unique” with a “soothing, calm presence”.
Phillips also said: “We will miss him on the show hugely,” and added that Monty will be presenting BBC Gardeners’ World from his “beautiful Longmeadow gardens until the end of the year”.
In Herefordshire, Don’s announcement was framed as a personal milestone for the show’s longtime audience, with Woman & Home quoting him saying: “So no doubt new adventures in the future, but for the moment this is the end of a chapter.”W
The Independent reported that Don will continue working with the BBC on other projects and “more books to write, more programmes to make,” while Radio Times said audiences will still be able to see Don broadcast from Longmeadow until later this year.
Rayo said fans responded with messages including Greatest Hits Radio presenter Zoe Ball writing: 'oh Monty. our Fridays will not be the same without you but heartfelt thanks love and respect for all the magic & knowledge you have shared with us. enjoy your next adventures. our absolute favourite xx'.
What happens next
The BBC’s chief content officer Kate Phillips said she “respect[s]” Don’s decision, but the Independent reported that there was no announcement yet on who would take over from Don once his tenure is complete.
“Friday 11 September on BBC Two”
Radio Times said the show continues on Friday 11 September on BBC Two, while Rayo listed Gardeners’ World airing on BBC Two on Thursdays at 8am, Fridays at 9pm and Saturdays at 8.50am.
Don said he would keep working with the BBC and continue broadcasting from Longmeadow until “later this year,” and Good Housekeeping described the move as not a total retirement.G
In his statement, Don said: “There are more books to write, more programmes to make,” and he added: “And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”
The Guardian’s coverage tied the transition to the end of Don’s era at the helm, noting that he is leaving at the end of the series after 23 years, while also quoting Don’s line that “There are more books to write, more programmes to make.”