Monty Don, the lead presenter of Gardeners’ World, has announced that he is stepping down from the show after 23 years. He made the announcement in an Instagram reel, saying “it’s time for a change” and that this series will be his last.
Monty has hosted Gardeners’ World since 2003, taking over from Alan Titchmarsh. During his time on the show, he has written and produced several of his own gardening TV series, including Around the World in 80 Gardens and Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens.
Monty’s Legacy
As the lead presenter, Monty has become one of the best-known faces in horticulture, alongside his beloved pet dogs. He has designed a show garden in their honour at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 and has written several books on gardening.
Monty’s announcement has left many fans wondering who will replace him as lead presenter on Gardeners’ World. The show is one of the most popular gardening programs in the UK, and the lead presenter role is highly coveted.
Possible Replacements
Many people see Adam Frost as a potential replacement for Monty. Adam has been a co-presenter on the show for several years and has won the hearts of many viewers with his down-to-earth personality. He originally trained in horticulture with the late Geoff Hamilton, who was lead presenter from 1979 to 1996.
Carol Klein is another potential replacement. She has a uniquely expressive way of describing plants and gardens and has been a popular co-presenter on the show. However, she has been through a difficult time recently, having survived a cancer diagnosis in 2025.
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Rachel de Thame and Arit Anderson are also co-presenters on the show, and Frances Tophill has had a surge in publicity recently after designing a garden for HM The King and the RHS with David Beckham for the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Other Contenders
Jamie Butterworth is a young presenter who has worked with Monty on several projects, including the Dog Garden for Chelsea in 2025. He has become a regular presenter on Gardener’s World and has admitted to being ambitious and working non-stop.
Monty’s replacement will likely cause consternation from some fans. Monty’s dulcet tones will be missed as he plants up his pots in the enviable surroundings of his garden at Longmeadow.
A New Chapter
Monty’s departure marks the end of an era for Gardeners’ World. As he moves on to new projects, the show will have to adapt to a new lead presenter. This change may bring new energy and ideas to the show, but it will also be a challenge to fill Monty’s shoes.
For the fans of the show, Monty’s departure will be a loss, but it may also bring new opportunities for other presenters to shine. The show will move forward, and it will be interesting to see how the new lead presenter will shape the program and bring their own unique perspective to the world of gardening.
Monty’s legacy will continue to be felt on the show, and his contributions to the world of gardening will not be forgotten. As he embarks on a new chapter in his career, fans of Gardeners’ World will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of his replacement and the new direction the show will take.
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The show’s producers will face the task of finding a suitable replacement for Monty. They will need to consider the show’s format and the type of presenter who can bring a new perspective to the program.
Monty Don’s decision to step down from Gardeners’ World has sent shockwaves through the gardening community. His departure will be felt by fans of the show, but it also presents an opportunity for new talent to emerge.
The RHS has expressed its gratitude to Monty for his contributions to the world of gardening. Monty’s work with the RHS has been instrumental in promoting gardening and horticulture in the UK.
As the search for Monty’s replacement begins, fans of Gardeners’ World will be watching with interest. The show’s future is uncertain.
Monty’s garden at Longmeadow will continue to be a source of inspiration for gardeners. His gardening style and techniques have been widely admired, and his garden has been featured on numerous occasions on Gardeners’ World.
The show’s new lead presenter will have big shoes to fill. Monty’s knowledge and experience have made him a beloved figure in the world of gardening, and his replacement will need to bring a similar level of expertise and enthusiasm to the program.
