BBC announces Monty Don is leaving Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years

| Senior TV Reporter Published September 8, 2026 11:42am Updated September 8, 2026 12:06pm To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Monty Don will step down from Gardeners’ World at the end of the current series, after more than 20 years fronting the BBC show. The 71-year-old joined Gardeners’ World in 2003 and, from 2011, has welcomed viewers weekly into his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire. Don shared a video announcement with the news, confirming the current series of Gardeners’ World will be his last. He said: ‘I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow. ‘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 knowledgeable audience. ‘That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.’ In an official video announcement with the news, Monty Don said this series will be his last (Picture: Oliver Dixon/Shutterstock) The TV presenter said he will be pursuing other projects with the BBC in the future (Picture: PA) He added: ‘I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change. ‘I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make. ‘And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by my side, here at Longmeadow.’ BBC’s chief content officer Kate Phillips has said she respects his decision to leave the show, but added: ‘I’m still very sad he’s leaving.’ She did not comment on who might replace Don as the face of Gardeners’ World after this series. The Beeb pointed out his ‘soothing, calm presence’ and ‘wonderfully engaging’ presenting style (Picture: PA) Phillips continued in her statement: ‘Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening. ‘We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate! ‘I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness, which has seen him open up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health. Deals of the Day Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 ‘We will miss him on the show hugely. Monty will be presenting BBC Gardeners’ World from his beautiful Longmeadow gardens until the end of the year, and I look forward to working with him on the BBC on future projects.’ Arrow MORE: Secret Only Fools footage that’s ‘never been seen’ unearthed after 45 years Arrow MORE: Trevor Nelson returns to BBC after having his life ‘hijacked over summer’ Arrow MORE: Maryam Moshiri’s rare blood cancer can be easy to miss — here are the early symptoms TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.