Monty Don has confirmed he will step down as the lead presenter of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World at the end of the current 2026 series, bringing to an end a 23-year tenure as the face of British gardening.
The 71-year-old broadcaster, who has hosted approximately 700 episodes since joining the programme in 2003, made the announcement on Tuesday 8 September 2026. Don cited reaching his 70th birthday milestone in 2025 as a turning point, stating that “now is the right time for a change.”
The departure marks a significant shift for the long-running programme. While he is leaving his primary role on the Friday night show, Don is stepping down at the end of the current 2026 series.
Despite his exit from the flagship show, Don is not retiring from the broadcaster. According to The Guardian, he intends to continue working with the BBC on a new travel programme and will focus on writing upcoming books.
The announcement follows a difficult personal year for the presenter, who has shared the loss of two of his beloved golden retrievers with viewers. Peggy died in January 2026, followed by Patti in August 2026, leaving his remaining dog, Ned, as his primary companion on the show.
Future of Gardeners’ World
Speculation regarding a successor has already begun, although the BBC has not yet confirmed who will take over the lead role. One potential candidate, co-presenter Frances Tophill, has already ruled herself out of the running. Tophill recently stated that she does not wish to replace Don as the lead presenter.
Other regular presenters, including Adam Frost, Rachel de Thame, and Carol Klein, remain part of the team, though the BBC has not indicated if the show will continue to be anchored from a single private garden or return to a different format.