Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh, two beloved gardening personalities, have long been fixtures on British television, but recent reports suggest their relationship has been strained for years behind the scenes.
Both passionate gardeners, their connection seemed solid when Monty Don took over as presenter of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World in 2003, succeeding Alan, who had hosted the show for six years. At the time, Alan appeared pleased to pass the torch, even publicly endorsing Monty for the role. During a BBC Gardeners' World Magazine interview, Alan admitted recommending Monty as the perfect “anchorman” for the programme—news that reportedly surprised Monty.
Alan, who earned the title “King of Gardening” during the 1990s and became a familiar face on shows like Ground Force alongside Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh, had been a prominent figure for the BBC’s Chelsea Flower Show coverage since 1983. However, in 2013, Alan felt sidelined when his role was unexpectedly reduced. He explained in interviews that producers were looking to streamline the coverage and offered his duties to another presenter.
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Unbeknownst to Alan at the time, Monty Don was chosen to succeed him as the Chelsea Flower Show presenter. While Alan voiced some hurt over the decision, calling it a “dumping,” he maintained a diplomatic stance publicly, stating he was not bitter despite declining the reduced role offered to him.
Since then, Monty Don has flourished, creating and producing multiple gardening series and recently launching a UK tour titled “Audience With,” where he shares insights into his life and broader passions beyond gardening. Meanwhile, Alan Titchmarsh has found success with his ITV show Love My Weekend, which debuted in 2020 and quickly became a viewer favourite.
Though their on-screen personas continue to charm gardening enthusiasts, the complexities behind their relationship remind fans that even the closest colleagues can face challenges away from the cameras.