What’s Behind Monty Don's Departure from Gardeners' World?

FOR more than two decades, his soothing voice and unmatched horticultural wisdom have been the perfect TV tonic for millions of Brits.

But has left fans heartbroken after announcing he is .

The green-fingered star, 71, has confirmed that , drawing a line under 23 years at the helm.

Taking to , he posted a touching video alongside his beloved Golden Retriever, Ned, to confirm his departure.

He told fans: “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.”

Naturally, viewers are desperate to know why the much-loved presenter is hanging up his gloves and what he plans to do next.

Why is Monty Don leaving Gardeners’ World?

The good news is that Monty isn’t retiring from our screens completely.

Instead, the veteran broadcaster is stepping away to free up his schedule for a variety of new projects.

After fronting around 700 episodes of the long-running series, Monty simply felt that it was the right moment to pass the baton.

In a statement, he said that while he has “relished the craft of programme making” week in and week out with a “superlative team,” he believes that “now is the right time for a change.”

Monty has his sights set on new literary ventures and different television formats.

“I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues,” he said.

“There are more books to write, more programmes to make.”

Viewers won’t have to say their goodbyes just yet.

Monty won’t be disappearing from our screens immediately, and he is set to remain on the show until the end of the year.

Beyond making new television programmes and authoring more books, Monty’s day-to-day life won’t change too much when the cameras stop rolling.

Reassuring his dedicated fanbase that his passion remains untouched, he promised: “And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”

Since joining the show back in 2003, Monty has transformed Gardeners’ World, making it an essential watch for both horticulturalists and anyone simply looking to unwind.

Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said she was “very sad” about his exit, despite respecting his decision.

“Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening,” she said, adding that she looks forward to their future BBC projects together.

Sharon Fisher, the BBC Studios Series Editor of Gardeners’ World, said that the production team would miss their Head Gardener “enormously”.