GARDENERS’ World faces its biggest changing of the guard in more than two decades after Monty Don announced he is stepping down.
The 71-year-old will leave the BBC Two stalwart when this series finishes, ending a 23-year run as its longest-serving head gardener.
The BBC has confirmed Monty Don will continue presenting Gardeners’ World from Longmeadow until the end of 2026.
Explaining his decision in a statement, 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.
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“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.”
Looking to the future, the green-fingered legend continued: “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.”
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But the BBC has not yet announced who will take over, or whether just one presenter will inherit Monty’s leading role.
Several familiar faces already have years of experience on the show, putting them firmly in the frame.
Who will replace Monty Don on Gardeners’ World?
Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill has emerged as one of the strongest contenders.
A source told the Guardian that the 36-year-old “has been tipped as his successor for a while”, adding: “She is incredibly popular, excellent on-screen and a brilliant gardener.”
Frances joined the presenting team in 2016 and has previously deputised for Monty.
Her profile received another boost this year when she designed the RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden for the Chelsea Flower Show.
The project featured input from King Charles and involvement from Sir David Beckham and former Gardeners’ World host Alan Titchmarsh.
Adam Frost is another obvious candidate – the award-winning garden designer joined Gardeners’ World in 2016 and has already fronted episodes without Monty.
He previously worked with former Gardeners’ World presenter Geoff Hamilton at Barnsdale and has won seven RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medals.
Arit Anderson is another established member of the team, having joined in 2017 after leaving a career in fashion and retraining in garden design.
Her work has a strong focus on biodiversity, sustainability and gardening in a changing climate.
Arit’s A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey won the People’s Choice award at the Chelsea Flower Show 2026.
Jamie Butterworth, 31, could offer the BBC a younger option. He trained at RHS Garden Wisley, runs Surrey nursery Form Plants, and has been presenting Gardeners’ since September 2023.
He worked closely with Monty on the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025.
Rachel de Thame could come into consideration too, having appeared on Gardeners’ World since 1999.
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Who else could take over presenting Gardeners’ World?
Other names reportedly in the frame include:
- Caroline Quentin
- Joe Swift
- Carol Klein
- Sue Kent
- Advolly Richmond
- Toby Buckland
- Sophie Raworth
- Jo Whiley