Gardeners' World viewers in tears as Monty Don presents his final episode after stepping down from BBC show following 23 years at the helm

Gardeners' World fans were left in tears as they tuned into Monty Don's final ever episode on Friday night. The horticulturalist, 71, announced in September that he was stepping down from the beloved BBC programme after 23 years at the helm.And his last outing from his garden in his Longmeadow home proved to be an emotional one as Monty told how hosting the show had been an 'incredible privilege'.Signing off from the show for the last time, Monty said a fond farewell as he told viewers: 'From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye.'I first began presenting 23 years ago at Berryfields and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago and, in that time, things have changed.'The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone, and Nellie and Patty [his previous dogs], but there has been one constant factor, and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here, as well as working with so many superb people.Gardeners' World fans were left in tears as they tuned into Monty Don's final ever episode on Friday nightThe horticulturalist, 71, announced in September that he was stepping down from the beloved BBC programme after 23 years at the helm'So, thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So, for the last time, bye bye.'Long-term watchers of the show tuning in took to X as they shared their sadness at Monty's exit and told how 'Friday evenings won't be the same'.They penned: 'Why am I crying;' 'Ah sad day, We will miss you Monty and Ned.''BBC2 Announcer: "And now for the last time to Longmeadow". Friday evenings won't be the same without Monty and Ned and their peaceful garden.''Longmeadow' and that's House. #MontyBingo. Thanks Monty. I'm not crying you're crying.''Not me crying already because the first thing he went to was Aquilegia, a plant my mum bought me a couple of, and she always had a picture of up in the bathroom.''Bittersweet episode. I can't be the only one in tears at that ending.''Nearly cried at Monty Don’s leaving speech. What a gent.' 'I love every single programme you've made Monty and I learned sooooooo much from you We'll miss you terribly Friday nights won't be the same.' The episode saw Monty confirm that he'll still be on screens as he's part of the presenting line-up for 2027’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show. His last outing from his garden in his Longmeadow home proved to be an emotional one as Monty told how hosting the show had been an 'incredible privilege'Signing off from the show for the last time, Monty said a fond farewell as he told viewers: 'From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye Long-term watchers of the show tuning in took to X as they shared their sadness at Monty's exit and told how 'Friday evenings won't be the same'While he'll also make appearances in two winter specials, which are expected to hit screens sometime between now and Christmas. Earlier this week, Monty told how it had been a 'complete privilege' to host the long-running BBC gardening programme as he confirmed that Friday would be his last ever show.In a video shared on both his and Gardeners' World's Instagram page on Wednesday, Monty was seen in his garden with his beloved pet dog Ned as he addressed his fans.He said: 'This Friday will be my very last Gardeners' World. I began 23 years ago. For 16 years, we've been filming in this garden with my various dogs, and that's come to an end.'But, it's a brilliant programme as ever, and it's been a complete privilege to be part of it. So, join me on Friday for the last time.'The post was met with a plethora of supportive messages from fans thanking him for his services and sharing just how much the programme meant to them.Messages included: 'End of an era. Thank you for getting me through Covid. That’s when I fell in love with the programme. Thanks for being a constant sense of calm in a ridiculous world and best wishes for the future x''Thank you, Monty, for teaching a generation of us that gardening isn't about perfection but patience, paying attention and enjoying the small moments. Wishing you a slower pace, long mornings with the dogs, and a garden that's finally just yours again.''Thank you Monty for letting me join you in your garden. I don't have a garden now but I love watching and listening to you talk about yours and explain everything in layman's terms. I will miss you and Ned and your soothing voice and advice. Xx.' Earlier this week, Monty told how it had been a 'complete privilege' to host the long-running BBC gardening programme as he confirmed that Friday would be his last ever show In a video shared on both his and Gardeners' World's Instagram page on Wednesday, Monty was seen in his garden with his beloved pet dog Ned as he addressed his fans The post was met with a plethora of supportive messages from fans thanking him for his services and sharing just how much the programme meant to themSpeaking from the garden at his Longmeadow home in Herefordshire as he announced his departure, Monty told his followers that 'now is the right time for a change'. As recently as March, the veteran host insisted he couldn't imagine retiring and was in negotiations to continue to host the show until at least 2028.He explained: 'I hope I'm continuing, but as I come up to the end of every contract, I seriously consider how it fits the rest of my life.'He told Saga Magazine: 'Each time, it's come down fairly and squarely that I'd like to continue.''But there will come a time when either they'll say, 'No, thanks' or I'll say, 'It's time for a change', but neither of us, as far as I know, has reached that point yet.'I genuinely don't know what retirement would look like. I don't play golf or tennis, and I can't see myself doing the crossword all day... I like work.' After his big announcement, Monty later admitted that he might have to let go of the staff who keep his property looking spick and span for Gardeners' World. Monty revealed that the Corporation pays towards the salaries of two full-time gardeners at his home, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire.He said: 'From day one it's been in my BBC contract that I have to have two full-time gardeners.Speaking from the garden at his Longmeadow home in Herefordshire as he announced his departure, Monty told his followers that 'now is the right time for a change' Monty joined the show in 2003, and in 2011, he welcomed audiences weekly into his own garden'If I'm off filming in the Rhine or India or somewhere like that, somebody has got to be getting it ready.'The BBC pays a contribution towards their wages. Not enough, but they do pay something, which is great. Obviously, that contribution is going to go.His current team of two gardeners, a propagation expert and a landscaper have been with him for ten years, he said. 'They are a great team and we all work together really well. I can't afford it unless we earn money from it, so I am going to think of ways of earning something from the garden. But I can't do that until the middle of next year at the earliest.'Speaking at the RHS Malvern autumn flower show, Monty said he would not open his two-acre private garden to the public, as organising parking in the area would be too difficult.He and his wife Sarah, 72, created the garden in the village of Ivington in 1991, at which time it was a neglected field with one hazel tree.Longmeadow now features a cottage garden filled with shrub roses; the jewel garden, with bright, multicoloured flowers; the Islamic-inspired paradise garden; and a vegetable garden, which provides produce almost year-round.Monty started presenting Gardeners' World in 2003, and has hosted it at Longmeadow since 2011.However, announcing his exit, the horticulturist said it was 'the right time for a change'.'There are more books to write, more programmes to make,' he continued. 'And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by my side, here at Longmeadow.'Throughout his time on the show, Don spoke about his struggles with grief and depression, and how 'the power of the natural world' benefited his mental health.In a statement, the BBC's chief content officer Katie Phillips said she was 'very sad' to see Don go, and thanked him for his 'honesty and kindness'.The final series hosted by Don will continue to be broadcast from Longmeadow until later this year. He will work with the BBC on other projects, and it is understood he will shortly begin filming a travel programme called Island Gardens.