Monty Don to leave Gardeners' World after more than 20 years
Longtime presenter Monty Don is stepping down as the host of the BBC's Gardeners' World after more than 20 years. He plans to pursue other projects while continuing his personal gardening work at his home, Longmeadow.
Why it matters
As the face of a long-running, culturally significant program, his departure marks a major transition for British public broadcasting and gardening media.
By Steven McIntosh Entertainment reporter Published 17 minutes ago Monty Don is to step down as the host of Gardeners' World after more than 20 years, the BBC has announced.
The 71-year-old, who is the programme's longest-serving head gardener, will leave at the end of the current series.
In a statement, Don said working on the show had been a "deeply rewarding experience," but added: "Now is the right time for a change."
The BBC said Don had" inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening" since joining the programme in 2003.
Don began presenting the programme at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before it moved in 2011 to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire.
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