Monty Don has announced he is stepping down as host of Gardeners' World after more than two decades, with the BBC confirming his departure will take effect at the end of the current series. The 71-year-old is the programme's longest-serving presenter and described his time on the show as "deeply rewarding" but said "now is the right time for a change." His exit marks the end of an era for one of British television's most recognisable gardening figures.

Don joined Gardeners' World in 2003, succeeding Alan Titchmarsh, and has fronted roughly 700 episodes, initially filming at a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon before the show relocated to his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire in 2011. He briefly stepped away in 2008 while recovering from a stroke and has spoken openly about his struggles with depression. The BBC's chief content officer, Kate Phillips, praised his "warmth, wisdom and passion," saying she respected his decision but was "very sad" to see him go, while Don said he intends to keep working with the BBC on other projects and will continue gardening at Longmeadow.