Monty Don quits Gardeners' World as BBC issues bombshell statement

Monty Don will step down from Gardeners' World at the end of the current series after more than 20 years, the BBC has announced.

Don, 71, is quitting his role as Head Gardener 23 years after joining the programme.

In those years, the presenter has inspired and guided millions of viewers with his knowledge and passion for gardening.

His own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, has been a huge hit with fans, with Don sharing the joys and challenges of life in the garden, accompanied by his much-loved dogs.

In a statement issued by the BBC on Tuesday, the presenter 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.

Monty Don has confirmed he will leave the popular gardening programme after the current series (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Archive)

"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."

Don also confirmed the move via an Instagram video with his beloved Golden Retriever Ned – leaving fans in the comment section devastated.

Fellow broadcaster Kate Thornton wrote: "This is a horticultural tragedy. Thank you for sharing so much passion, knowledge and wisdom. You will be hugely missed."

Another commenter wrote: "Thank you for the sheer joy your and your dogs brought to my Friday evenings. I hope you have many new adventures".

Kate Phillips, BBC's Chief Content Officer said: "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!

Monty Don said he will continue to work with the BBC on other projects (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

"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."

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

Last month, the presenter issued an emotional update after fans mistakenly feared his Golden Retriever Ned had died following the sudden loss of another of his beloved dogs.

He confirmed that his Yorkshire Terrier Patti had died following a brief illness, leaving his family "heartbroken".