HEARTBREAKING: Monty Don announces his departure from the show after 20 years in an emotional statement.
Monty Don has announced that he is leaving Gardeners’ World after 23 years, bringing one of the BBC’s longest-running gardening eras to an emotional close.
The 71-year-old broadcaster shared the news on Tuesday, September 8, in a video filmed from his garden, with his dog Ned beside him.
“I have a big piece of news to share with you because I’ve decided that this is to be my last series of Gardeners’ World,” Monty told followers.
He reflected on more than two decades with the programme and the years spent broadcasting from Longmeadow, his garden in Herefordshire.
“I began hosting Gardeners’ World 23 years ago, and for the last 16 years we’ve been here at Longmeadow, and it’s been fantastic,” he said.
“I’ve loved every minute, I’ve worked with some amazing people, and it’s been a joy to share my gardening life and my dogs with you.”
‘It’s Time for a Change’
Monty made clear that his departure is not the end of his broadcasting career.
“But it’s time for a change, and no doubt some new adventures in the future,” he said.
“For the moment, this is the end of a chapter.”
The BBC later confirmed the news and paid tribute to the presenter’s enormous contribution to the show.
“Since joining the programme in 2003, Monty has inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening,” the broadcaster said.
The BBC highlighted how Longmeadow became a central part of Gardeners’ World after Monty began presenting regularly from his own garden in 2011.
The statement continued that viewers had been welcomed into Longmeadow each week as Monty shared both the practical work and changing rhythms of gardening throughout the seasons.
His dogs also became familiar faces to the programme’s audience.
BBC Says Monty Is ‘Utterly Unique’
BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips admitted she was saddened by Monty’s decision.
“Monty’s decision to leave Gardeners’ World is one I respect, but I’m still very sad he’s leaving,” she said.
“Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening.”
Phillips also praised the practical impact of his advice on viewers and acknowledged the more personal subjects he has discussed over the years.
She thanked Monty for his “honesty and kindness,” particularly when speaking about personal struggles and the role the natural world can play in supporting mental health.
“We will miss him on the show hugely,” she added.
However, Monty will not disappear from BBC screens immediately.
He is expected to continue presenting Gardeners’ World from Longmeadow until the end of the year, while the BBC has also indicated that it hopes to work with him on future projects.
Fans Left ‘Gutted’ by Announcement
Reaction from viewers was immediate.
One fan wrote: “No, I’m gutted!! Will miss you, Longmeadow and Ned so much from the show.”
The viewer added that Gardeners’ World “won’t be the same” without him.
Another admitted: “I am not emotionally prepared for this news.”
A third wrote that they had always known the day would eventually come but still struggled to accept it, thanking Monty for the influence he had had on their gardening.
Broadcaster Kate Thornton also reacted strongly, calling the announcement “a horticultural tragedy.”
“Thank you for sharing so much passion, knowledge and wisdom,” she wrote. “You will be hugely missed.”
Others struck a more bittersweet tone, saying they were sad to see him leave but pleased that he was ready for whatever came next.
After 23 years at the heart of Gardeners’ World, Monty’s departure marks a major change for the programme.
Viewers still have several months of broadcasts from Longmeadow ahead, but by the end of the year, one of the BBC’s most familiar gardening faces will finally be closing the gate on this chapter of his career.
