Monty Don steps down from BBC's Gardeners' World

Monty Don is stepping down as the lead presenter of the BBC's Gardeners' World programme at the end of the current series. He has hosted the show for 23 years, filming around 700 episodes from his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire since 2011.

Don said it was "the right time for a change." He will continue working with the BBC on other projects and pursue his own writing. His final series from Longmeadow will continue broadcasting until later this year.

A connection with a global audience

In a statement, Don reflected on his long tenure. "Throughout that time, and around 700 programmes, I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgable, audience," he said. He described the connection with millions of viewers worldwide as something he treasured, believing it to be central to a well-lived life.

Tributes from BBC colleagues

BBC executives paid tribute to Don's unique contribution. Kate Phillips, the BBC’s chief content officer, called him "utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening." She also thanked him for his openness about his mental health struggles and for highlighting nature's therapeutic power.

Sharon Fisher, the series editor for Gardeners' World, worked with Don for two decades. She said his warmth and wisdom inspired millions to discover the pleasure of gardening. "His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history," Fisher stated.

A potential successor emerges

A source within Gardeners' World indicated that current presenter Frances Tophill has been tipped as Don's successor for some time. The source described Tophill as "incredibly popular, excellent on-screen and a brilliant gardener." She has previously deputised for Don when he was unavailable.

Tophill recently co-designed a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show with King Charles and David Beckham. The garden featured an area for natural remedies, requested by the King, and bee-friendly features requested by Beckham. When asked earlier this year about potentially taking over, Tophill expressed hope that Don would never leave.

The next chapter for Don

Monty Don's immediate plans include filming a new travel programme for the BBC titled Island Gardens. The BBC will miss his presence on the weekly show but celebrates his extraordinary impact on the gardening community over more than two decades.