BREAKING: Monty Don shares ‘retirement’ update following Gardeners’ World exit
Monty Don has reassured fans that he is not retiring from television or gardening, just one week after announcing that he is stepping down from Gardeners’ World.
The 71-year-old presenter shared a new video from his beloved Longmeadow garden in Herefordshire, where he thanked viewers for the overwhelming support he has received since confirming his departure from the BBC show.
Monty was keen to make one thing clear.
“I’m not retiring,” he said.
Although he is leaving Gardeners’ World, the broadcaster confirmed he still has other projects in development and intends to continue working.
“I have other projects on the go,” Monty explained.
“Who knows what the future holds, but I will still be working, and still sharing Longmeadow with you here, on Instagram, if nowhere else.”
He then thanked followers for the kindness they had shown him during what has been an emotional week.
Fans Relieved Monty Is Not Disappearing
The update prompted an immediate wave of relieved responses from viewers.
One fan said they were delighted Monty was not retiring and would continue sharing updates from Longmeadow.
Another joked that they would still be able to enjoy some “Montytherapy” through Instagram.
Others described the presenter as a “national treasure” and thanked him for the years he has spent fronting one of Britain’s best-known gardening programmes.
Several viewers also said they were looking forward to discovering what Monty chooses to do next.
The affectionate reaction came after Monty confirmed last week that the current series of Gardeners’ World would be his last.
Monty Steps Down After 23 Years
Monty joined the Gardeners’ World team in 2003 and has spent more than two decades at the heart of the programme.
Announcing his departure on September 8, he said: “I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last.”
He reflected on a career that began at Berryfields before production later moved to his own garden at Longmeadow.
For the past 16 years, viewers have watched Monty garden from the Herefordshire property, which became almost as recognisable as the presenter himself.
He said he had appeared in around 700 programmes during his time on the show.
Throughout those years, Monty said he had been privileged to share his passion for gardening with an audience that was often every bit as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as he was.
He also praised the craft of television production and the BBC team he had worked alongside.
But after 23 years, Monty said he felt the moment had arrived for a change.
‘More Books to Write, More Programmes to Make’
Monty made clear in his original departure statement that leaving Gardeners’ World would not mean disappearing from public life.
He said he was looking forward to continuing his relationship with the BBC through other projects while also exploring new opportunities.
“There are more books to write, more programmes to make,” he said.
And gardening will remain at the centre of his life.
Monty added that he would continue working at Longmeadow, “dog by my side”, even after his weekly appearances on Gardeners’ World come to an end.
That promise has now been reinforced by his latest video, which appears intended to reassure viewers who feared his exit marked the end of his broadcasting career altogether.
Who Could Replace Monty?
Attention has also begun turning to who might eventually replace him on the programme.
The BBC has not announced a successor.
However, several familiar gardening names have already been mentioned by viewers and commentators.
Frances Tophill and Adam Frost, both regular contributors to Gardeners’ World, have been suggested as possible candidates.
Jamie Butterworth, who has previously been described as Monty’s protégé, has also been linked with the role.
Some fans have even speculated about whether former presenter Alan Titchmarsh could make a return.
For now, though, the BBC has remained silent on its plans.
What is certain is that Monty himself is not disappearing.
After 23 years on Gardeners’ World, his time as host may be
