TV presenter Monty Don has announced he is to step down from Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years11:39, 08 Sep 2026Updated 20:40, 08 Sep 2026Monty Don announces he's leaving Gardeners World Monty Don has announced he is to step down from Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years.‌Since joining the programme in 2003, Monty, 71, has guided millions of viewers with his passion for gardening, even letting viewers into his own home in Hertfordshire and introducing them to his much-loved dogs who became regular features.‌In a statement today, the presenter said the time had come for change and he was ready for his next adventure, promising the move does not signal the end of his TV career.‌Monty said: "I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow."Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience."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 and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.‌"I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change."I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make."And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."‌Born in Germany and raised in England, Monty made his television debut on This Morning in 1989 after his home garden was featured in several publications. After repeat appearances, he got additional TV work on BBC shows Holiday and Tomorrow’s World.He also began putting his ideas and tips into words, and has published over 25 books since 1990.‌In 2002, he was recommended by Alan Titchmarsh to replace him as the lead presenter of Gardeners' World. Monty then became the first self-taught horticulturist presenter in the show's history.Due to health issues he was forced to take a break in 2008 after suffering a minor stroke. He had been feeling unwell for months, citing exhaustion from travelling to film Around the World in 80 Gardens. When his symptoms did not improve, a brain scan revealed a temporary blockage in one of the arteries to his brain.After three years away, Monty returned in 2011, with the show moving from Berryfields in Buckinghamshire to his private garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire.‌Throughout his career, Monty has been open about his struggles with depression. He first shared his experiences in a column in The Observer in 2000 and was overwhelmed by the response from readers. He revealed that his condition had got to a point where his wife threatened to leave with their children if he did not seek help. Monty married Sarah Erskine in 1983, appearing on Channel 4 gardening series Fork To Fork alongside her. They have two sons and a daughter.He later found that his depression was attributed to seasonal affective disorder, and found a light box eased his symptoms.Monty has also credited his many canine friends for being a source of comfort over the years, many of which have featured alongside him on Gardeners' World.‌A firm favourite of Monty - and his viewers - was golden retreiver Nigel, who sadly died in 2020.He said at the time: "He was a bear of slightly limited brain, what he had was this absolute sense of purity. He exuded a kind of unsullied innocence and we all love our dogs; everybody thinks their dog is special. I've had lots of dogs and there was something special about Nigel."Other 'side kick' companions to feature in the show include Brittany spaniel Peggy, who died in January 2026, Yorkshire terrier Patti, who died last month, and his current canine companion, Ned, another golden retriever.‌In 2006, he launched the Monty Don Project, an effort to assist drug users by involving them in agriculture and gardening. The special project became the focus of book and TV series, Growing Out Of Trouble.Speaking on Monty's exit from the long-running show, Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer said she respected the decision but was still 'very sad.'‌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."We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!"I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness which has seen him open-up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health. We will miss him on the show hugely. Monty will be presenting BBC Gardeners World from his beautiful LongMeadow gardens until the end of the year, and I look forward to working with him on the BBC on future projects."Article continues belowGardeners’ World began airing in 1968 as a 30-minute show and was extended to 60 minutes in 2020.Previous hosts include Toby Buckland, Geoffrey Smith, Geoff Hamilton and Percy Thrower.