Despite being celebrated as one of television’s “sexiest men,” Alan Titchmarsh remains firmly rooted, thanks to his wife Alison’s candid honesty. Married for an impressive 50 years, Alison, a retired doctor, lovingly refers to Alan not as a celebrity, but as “just her little gardener,” a reminder that keeps him humble amidst the glare of fame.
Their journey began in 1975 in an amateur dramatics group, far from the glamour that Alan’s current life as a gardening expert and beloved TV presenter entails. With a net worth exceeding £10 million, Alan proudly maintains that he and Alison have stayed true to who they were when they first married.
In an interview with Saga magazine, Alan reflected, “We’re still the people we were when we married. I hope my head hasn’t been turned.” Their priority remains their family life at a Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse in Hampshire, complemented by their coastal retreat on the Isle of Wight.
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Their daughters, Camilla and Polly, embody the strong family values the couple holds dear. Despite Alan’s public profile, they consistently embrace a grounded and balanced approach, even when faced with unusual fan encounters.
Alan recalled one memorable incident in a restaurant where a passionate fan interrupted a quiet dinner with Alison, exclaiming, “Now I’ve got you!” Alan admitted it was the one time he nearly lost his composure, saying, “My fork was halfway to my mouth. It was hard to keep my cool.”
Traveling can also present challenges. On a flight, a persistent fan bothered Alan with gardening questions, despite his desire for a peaceful journey. “I was ever so slightly crabby on an aeroplane when the woman came down the aisle and demanded to know, ‘What’s wrong with my tomatoes?’” he revealed. When he replied, “Well, I can’t tell from here,” she retorted, “There’s no need to be like that!”
Despite these moments, Alan generally enjoys calm and supportive interactions with fans, even humorously noting, “They bought our house!”
A recipient of the CBE and host of Sunday morning’s popular show Love Your Garden, Alan embraces the honors that come with his status, finding titles like “sexiest man” genuinely flattering.
Love Your Garden is currently available to stream on ITVX.