Monty Don bids ‘final goodbye’ to Gardeners’ World after two decades

Details of the next series of Gardeners’ World will be announced at a later date, the BBC noted in a statement ahead of Don’s farewell. His successor has not yet been named.

Bookmakers and viewers have pointed to regular co-presenters like Frances Tophill and Adam Frost as top contenders, though Tophill has played down expectations of stepping directly into his shoes.

Prior to fronting Gardeners’ World, Don hosted other shows including Tomorrow’s World, Holiday and – a preview of coming attractions – a gardening segment on This Morning.

He took a three-year break from the programme after suffering a minor stroke in 2008.

In September this year, Don announced that the current series would be his last. In a statement, he said working on the show had been a “deeply rewarding experience”, but added that “now is the right time for a change”.

The BBC said at the time that Don had “inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening” since joining the programme in 2003.

Don was made an OBE by Queen Elizabeth, in 2018, for services to horticulture, broadcasting and charity. And he also received the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour – highest honour in horticulture.

His final episode of Gardeners’ World is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.