BBC Gardener’s World presenter Monty Don has addressed rumors that he is leaving the popular gardening show.
Last November, Monty, 68, announced he was likely to quit the hit show’s “relentless treadmill” as he entered his 70s.
In an interview with Radio Times Magazine, he hinted at leaving, saying, “The logical thing to do is to give up on Gardeners’ World.”
The presenter, who has hosted the BBC Two show, which is loved by amateur gardeners across the country since 2003, has announced that he will be leaving the show to pursue other work, including writing and hosting a travel show. He said he is considering it.
However, as Monty explained in a recent interview with Radio Times Magazine, it appears his comments may have been taken out of context.
BBC Gardener’s World presenter Monty Don addresses rumors of his departure from the popular gardening show
He elaborated: “After all, I am a gardener and my life is lived in the garden.” Please share that what I have through the medium of Gardener’s World is not only a privilege, but also completely central to who I am and what I do. ”
During the discussion, he also opened up about his mental health, confessing, “I have suffered from depression for many years, and my symptoms come and go, but they tend to get worse in the winter.” .
The presenter claims that he is currently “feeling well,” but added:I can’t say I’m cured. I can say that I am healed. It’s an ongoing process. ”
Monty has been open about his mental health in recent years, and in December last year, his seasonal affective disorder was so severe that his wife Sarah threatened to leave him with their three children if he didn’t get help. I admitted that.
The presenter also suffered a minor stroke in 2008, forcing him to step down from hosting Gardeners’ World, and told the Mail in 2011 that he didn’t want to be known as a “sick person”.
he said: “I don’t work as hard now. When I do something, I do it on my own terms.” Psychologically, I tried to forget about it, but certainly, I felt like I was in control of my own mortality. I became very aware of this, and it was very real. ”
Monty spoke to Times Radio ahead of the premiere of his new show Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens, which launches on BBC Two on February 23.
Monty described filming the show as an “exhilarating and fascinating experience”, writing on his website: The film was shot last year during seven weeks in Spain in April, May, June and October, covering over 40 different gardens. ”
Monty confirmed he would remain on the BBC show, telling Times Radio: “I’m a gardener and my life is lived in the garden.” Gardening He is honored to be able to share it through World.”
“Despite my many previous visits as a tourist, I had an exhilarating and fascinating experience in the wonderful gardens and learned so much more about the country.
“It’s turned out to be incredible, and I hope you find it as fun and rewarding to watch as I did creating it.”
G in October last yearThe Ardeners international star revealed that her dog Nell died of cancer three years after losing her golden retriever Nigel.
The famous gardener shared the tragic news on social media, which came four months after a friend was diagnosed with the disease.
Don, who is known for his love of dogs and regularly invites his furry friends to share screen time with him, shared the sad news to his 1 million followers on Instagram on October 21 with a follow-up post. I thanked them for their support.
Monty Don’s Spanish Garden premieres on Friday 23 February at 8pm on BBC Two.