First we heard that Monty is taking a few weeks out from presenting BBC2′s ‘Gardeners World’ and then we hear that Monty has had a minor stroke and is stepping down from his role as lead presenter.
A statement from Monty Don himself shows the attitude which as placed him number 1 on our list of ‘celebrity gardeners’. Monty Don is a fighter. We admire how he has taken the decision to concentrate on his recovery. He will surely succeed.
“I am proud to have led GW for the past five years and have enjoyed every minute of sharing my passion with the programme’s viewers.
I intend to take some gardening leave for the rest of the summer to make a full recovery and so that I am ready to tackle new projects.”
Of course we wish him well and if you want to send him your best wishes you can email them to gwletters@bbc.co.uk. The Gardeners world site says that they will ensure that your messages are passed on to Monty.
So Gardeners World will be headed by another – i cant imagine who can fill Monty’s shoes. I find myself wandering out the room or flicking the remote when any of the other presenters come on.
Gardeners World has a tradition of having down to earth gardeners presenters – Jeff and Percy looked like they could handle a spade and did so regularly. I hope the new lead presenter is as passionate and as practically minded as the others.
We’ll check our diaries, we might have a slot on a Friday night at 8!
Best of luck to Monty
My garden has recently been filmed as part of the garden watch program incorporated in the One Show. Hope you all enjoy
Sue in Bathampton