Monty Don Leaving Gardeners’ World After 23 Years: Why He’s Stepping Down

Monty Don will step down from BBC’s Gardeners’ World at the end of the current series, bringing his 23-year run as the programme’s lead presenter to a close. The veteran gardener said it was the “right time for a change” after appearing in around 700 programmes, but stressed that his departure does not mark his retirement from television.

Don, who has fronted Gardeners’ World since 2003, will remain on screen through the rest of the 2026 series. The announcement leaves the BBC facing a significant transition for one of its best-known factual programmes, with no successor yet confirmed.

Monty Don has announced he is stepping down as presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World, after 23 years. pic.twitter.com/VdJeIU1S8B

— BBC Gardeners' World Mag (@GWmag) September 8, 2026

Monty Don says it is the right time to leave

Don has given no indication that his exit is connected to a dispute with the BBC or problems with Gardeners’ World. Instead, he described the decision as a natural change after more than two decades at the centre of the programme.

He reflected on the privilege of sharing his passion for gardens and gardening with viewers and highlighted the connection he has developed with audiences in Britain and around the world.

The Guardian reported on Don’s departure that the current series will be his last, while his wider work with the BBC and other projects will continue.

Final Gardeners’ World series continues in 2026

Don’s departure will not be immediate. He will continue presenting Gardeners’ World through the remainder of the current series, with viewers returning to Longmeadow for his final run.

The BBC has not yet confirmed an exact date for his last regular episode. That means reports giving a specific farewell date should not be treated as confirmed until the broadcaster publishes its schedule.

Don is also not leaving the BBC altogether. He intends to make other programmes, pursue new projects and continue writing, making his Gardeners’ World exit the end of a particular role rather than the end of his broadcasting career.

From Berryfields to Longmeadow

Don took over as the main Gardeners’ World presenter in 2003, succeeding Alan Titchmarsh. Earlier editions during his tenure were based at Berryfields before his own Herefordshire garden became central to the programme.

Since 2011, Longmeadow has provided the familiar backdrop to much of Don’s work on the show. Viewers have watched its flower borders, vegetable plots and other areas develop through the seasons rather than seeing a garden created solely for television.

His dogs also became familiar figures on screen, helping create the informal atmosphere that distinguished his era of Gardeners’ World. Across the 23-year period, Don estimates that he has appeared in around 700 programmes.

BBC pays tribute to Monty Don

BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips described Don as an “utterly unique” broadcaster, praising his calm presence and passion for gardening. She also recognised his openness about personal struggles and the role gardens and the natural world can play in people’s lives.

Gardeners’ World series editor Sharon Fisher, who has worked with Don for around two decades, also praised his contribution to the programme, highlighting the knowledge, warmth and generosity he brought to viewers.

The reaction underlines the scale of the change facing Gardeners’ World. Don has not simply presented gardening advice; his personality and Longmeadow have become closely associated with the programme’s identity.

No replacement has been announced

The BBC has not named the presenter who will succeed Don, and there is currently no confirmed new lead host for Gardeners’ World.

Attention has naturally turned to familiar contributors including Adam Frost, Frances Tophill and Jamie Butterworth. Their names have appeared in media discussion, but none has been officially appointed, and speculation should not be presented as a BBC decision.

Presenter changes are closely watched across established British television programmes. The BBC has recently made another high-profile change with the appointment of Ellie Taylor as the new Strictly: It Takes Two host, while audiences have also been following the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up.

Frances Tophill has addressed replacement speculation

Tophill is likely to attract particular attention because she has been part of Gardeners’ World for years and has previously deputised for Don. However, her past comments suggest she should not automatically be viewed as his successor.

She has described gardening, rather than broadcasting, as her main profession and previously said that standing in for Don gave her an unexpected taste of the public recognition associated with his position.

After being recognised by crowds following that appearance, Tophill indicated that she did not want the level of fame attached to Don’s role. Those remarks were made before his departure was announced and do not rule out future BBC plans, but they provide important context around the current speculation.

Gardeners’ World faces a major change after 23 years

Don’s exit also raises a question about Longmeadow. The garden belongs to him personally, and the BBC has not announced whether it will continue to feature once his final series has ended.

A new presenter, a shared presenting team or a different principal location could all change the programme’s appearance, but the BBC has yet to disclose its plans. Until an official announcement is made, claims about a new host or format remain unconfirmed.

Monty Don will continue with other projects

For Don, leaving the weekly programme creates more time for television projects, books and gardening at Longmeadow. His announcement makes clear that he intends to remain active rather than withdraw from broadcasting.

For viewers, the immediate focus remains his final Gardeners’ World series. The next major announcement will be the BBC’s decision on who — or what presenting team — will lead the programme after one of the longest and most recognisable presenting tenures in its history comes to an end.

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