MONTY DON STEPS DOWN FROM GARDENERS' WORLD AFTER 23 YEARS

Monty Don announced his departure from Gardeners' World on Tuesday, ending more than two decades presenting the BBC programme. The broadcaster confirmed the news in an official statement. Don said the current series would be his last, having presented approximately 700 episodes since joining the show in 2003. He described the role as a privilege that had allowed him to share his passion for gardening with audiences across Britain and internationally.

Don presented the initial series from Berryfields before moving to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire, in 2011, where he has filmed weekly episodes for the past 16 years. He told audiences that making the programme with the BBC team had been deeply rewarding and that he now felt it was the right moment for change. The BBC's chief content officer Kate Phillips said she was "very sad" to see him depart. Don said he intended to continue working with the BBC on other projects and explore "new avenues", including writing further books and making additional programmes.

Don confirmed he would continue gardening at Longmeadow. The BBC has not yet announced details of a successor or plans for the future of Gardeners' World. Don's departure marks the end of the longest tenure of any head gardener on the long-running horticultural series.