Monty Don's Final Gardeners' World Episode Set for November 6
Monty Don will present his final episode of Gardeners' World on November 6, bringing an end to his 23-year tenure as the face of the BBC's flagship gardening programme. The 71-year-old broadcaster announced last month that the current series would be his last, and he filmed his farewell at his Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, earlier this month.
The news has prompted an outpouring of appreciation from viewers and fellow broadcasters, with many crediting Don for inspiring a new generation of gardeners. Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear presenter and Clarkson's Farm star, paid tribute, saying: "I just think that television must now get bigger. If you actually do gardening shows, I don't know how they're going to survive, especially without Monty Don."
Don reflected on his decision in Gardeners' World Magazine, explaining that the role had become all-consuming. "The commute is delightfully short, but when I go home I take the job with me, seven days a week, 24 hours a day," he said. "Then, one day this summer, I woke up and knew it was time to stop. Simple as that."
A New Chapter Beckons
Despite leaving the programme, Don has said he intends to continue working on other television projects and writing books. "There are programmes I want to make, books I want to write, family I want to spend more time with," he said. "My enthusiasm for visiting gardens of all kinds all over the world remains as keen as ever."
The End of an Era
Don's departure marks the close of one of the most influential tenures in British gardening television. He presented around 700 editions of the programme, becoming a familiar face to millions and a defining figure in the gardening world. His connection with audiences, he said, was something he always treasured. "That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured," he noted.
The announcement comes after a difficult year for Don, which saw the death of his beloved dog Patti and what he described as "horribly painful" surgery. His decision to step down also reflects a broader trend of long-serving presenters leaving iconic shows, echoing departures such as Ziva David's exit from NCIS, which similarly marked the end of an era for fans.
Who Will Fill Monty Don's Shoes?
Speculation is mounting over who will succeed Don, with bookmakers already offering odds on the next host. Frances Tophill remains the frontrunner at 7/4, while Adam Frost holds steady at 2/1. However, the odds of the show adopting an ensemble format have shortened dramatically from 5/1 to 9/4, following comments from Frost suggesting that a group of co-presenters is likely.
"My gut says that when his lordship hangs up his trowel, it won't be any one person. There will be a small group of co-presenters," Frost said in an interview last year. Other contenders include Arit Anderson, Joe Swift, Rachel de Thame and Nick Bailey, with long shots including Alan Titchmarsh at 150/1 and even David Beckham at 200/1.
An Ensemble Future?
The possibility of an ensemble presenting team reflects a wider trend in television towards shared hosting duties, which could ensure continuity and fresh perspectives for the programme. As William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps noted: "It could be the end of an era for Gardeners' World, but the latest odds suggest the BBC may look to share the presenting duties rather than appoint one direct successor."
Broader Implications for Gardening Television
Don's departure raises questions about the future of gardening programming in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. Clarkson's comments highlight the challenge traditional gardening shows face in retaining audiences without a charismatic figurehead like Don. His ability to connect with both novice and experienced gardeners has been credited with boosting the popularity of gardening as a hobby.
As the BBC prepares to air Don's final episode, fans will be watching closely to see how the programme evolves. Whether it continues with a single host or adopts a new format, the legacy of Monty Don's 23 years at the helm will be hard to match. For now, viewers can tune in on November 6 to bid farewell to a television legend and celebrate his contributions to the world of gardening.
The transition also mirrors other high-profile departures in sports, such as Louis Oosthuizen leaving LIV Golf, underscoring how even beloved figures eventually move on, making way for new talent and fresh approaches.
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