Will Kirk, renowned for his role on BBC’s The Repair Shop, recently revealed the support he received from gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh amid struggles with his garden. Living in a Surrey countryside home with his wife Polly and their two children, the 41-year-old antiques expert has found solace away from his busy TV career in London.
After spending nearly four decades in the city, Will and his family relocated to the countryside to embrace a quieter life. “I used to commute from London to stay at our Sussex barn during the week,” he told Country Living magazine. “That inspired us to move here permanently.” Parenthood also shifted his focus, placing family and home life above the hustle of city living.
Yet, despite being in his rural home for a couple of years, Will admitted to having ongoing gardening challenges. In an interview with House Beautiful, he described his garden as a “work in progress,” struggling with dry, dusty grass and invasive plants from neighboring gardens overwhelming his rose bushes.
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Fortunately, Alan Titchmarsh, who lives nearby, offered to help. Will declined at first, wanting to get the garden to a reasonable shape before seeking expert advice on flowers and planting techniques. This is not their first gardening interaction; Will previously appeared on Alan’s ITV show, Love Your Weekend, where he shared his determination to prioritize the outdoor space of their Victorian property.
Previously accustomed to a London flat’s small balcony and “some dying plants,” Will faced a steep learning curve outdoors. His wife Polly encouraged them to first focus on the home’s interior before delving into garden improvements. Additionally, a leftover hot tub from the property’s former owners left a noticeable brown patch on the lawn, adding to the challenge.
Despite these hurdles, Will has grown passionate about gardening, often watching Alan’s videos online for tips on sowing seeds and plant care. “You make it look very easy!” he told Alan, expressing his enthusiasm for cultivating a vibrant garden.
In other news, Will Kirk will be appearing on The Chase Celebrity Special this Sunday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.