MONTY DON TO GARDENERS' WORLD AFTER MOVE THAN 20 YEARS ON BBC SERIES

After more than 20 years at the helm of BBC Gardeners’ World as its longest-serving Head Gardener, Monty Don has decided to step down at the end of the current series.

Since joining the programme in 2003, Monty has inspired and guided millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening. In 2011, he welcomed audiences weekly into his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, sharing the joys and challenges of life in the garden, and practical gardening through the seasons, always with his much-loved dogs following close behind.

Speaking about his decision 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."

Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer says: “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.

"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."

Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios Series Editor, Gardeners’ World, who has worked with Monty for the past twenty years said: "Monty’s contribution to Gardeners’ World has been extraordinary. Through his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he has inspired millions to discover the pleasure and purpose that getting your hands into the soil can bring. I have seen first-hand the care, integrity and generosity he brings to everything he does...

"His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history. All of us on the Gardeners’ World team, will miss him enormously, but we celebrate everything he has given to the programme, the gardening community and the audience who have welcomed him into their homes every week for over two decades.”

Audiences will still be able to see Monty broadcast from Longmeadow until later this year.