Amanda Holden revealed who she believes could be the perfect replacement for Monty Don after he announced his departure from Gardeners' World following 23 years on the BBC show12:09, 11 Sep 2026Amanda Holden says she believes a fellow actress could be the perfect replacement for Monty Don on Gardeners' World. Earlier this week, the 71-year-old announced he was stepping away from the BBC show after 23 years, leaving many fans saddened by the news.‌Discussing his departure on Heart Radio Breakfast, Amanda's co-host Jamie Theakston said whoever replaces Monty has "big shoes to fill".‌Putting forward who she believes could be the perfect replacement for the horticulturalist, Amanda suggested Caroline Quentin, a keen gardener as well as an actress.‌She revealed: "People might not know this, she's fascinating, she's funny, she's an actress, she knows a lot about gardening and growing things."I've known her for years and I follow her on Instagram and she's also an amazing artist, so she paints a lot of flowers and vegetables and things but she'd be really good.‌"She might not know as much as Monty, maybe, technically, but she has a wealth of knowledge so it might be worth looking at her," she added.Jamie went on to say that the Gardeners' World star will be missed, before joking that he had "big hands".Agreeing with her co-star, Amanda chimed in: "Oh yeah, Caroline's got big hands, she'll be alright," which prompted Jamie to laugh. "She's going to hate me for that!".‌Announcing his exit in an Instagram video, Monty told fans he had "loved every minute" of being a part of the show, which is filmed from his Longmeadow garden."I've worked with some amazing people, and it's been a joy to share my gardening life and my dogs with you," he added.Monty went on to say it was "time for a change" and that there were some "new adventures in the future".‌As well as following new avenues, he also confirmed that he will continue to work with the BBC on other projects.Sharing what he has in the pipeline, he added: "There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow." Since the statement, he has already announced a new job away from the show, as the new face of New Balance shoes.‌Gardeners World's viewers will still be able to see Monty broadcast from Longmeadow until later this year.Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said in a statement: “Monty’s decision to leave Gardeners World is one I respect, but I’m still very sad he’s leaving."Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening," she continued, adding he will be "hugely" missed by the team.Article continues belowThe BBC has not yet named an official replacement. However, several of his co-presenters are considered strong frontrunners, including Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Jamie Butterworth, Joe Swift and Arit Anderson.Before Monty's exit, however, Frances said she doesn't ever see herself being a regular face on screen like her co-star.She told The Sunday Times: "I have a huge respect for Monty – it is such a generous thing to give your garden space to the nation and he does it so well. I hope he never leaves. Broadcasting is not my day job, my day job is being a gardener."