The green-fingered legend returns to screens this evening with BBC Gardeners’ World. He will instil in viewers and fellow garden lovers the need for foresight, and plans ahead for spring with some bulb planting. Monty is something of a veteran when it comes to the world of horticulture.
Having long had an affinity with plants and flowers, he took a job presenting Gardeners’ World in 2003.
He’s presented nearly every episode since, alongside other famous faces like Alan Titchmarsh.
In 2011, the BBC gave Monty full reign, allowing him to present the show from the comfort of his sprawling Herefordshire home with acres of garden.
He has, as a result, become something of a celebrity, transforming into a global sensation during lockdown after he turned gardening into an escape for millions stuck at home who were lucky enough to have a green space to work on.
While this celebrity status comes with its perks, Monty has often voiced concern about becoming well-known, previously revealing he had been invited to star on the reality TV show, I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!
When asked by The Guardian in 2016 whether he had been asked to go into the jungle, he admitted he had: “And to dance — all of them.”
But he explained why he had decided to reject the offers: “My basic philosophy is never do anything with the word ‘celebrity’ attached to it.
“Without being overly pompous, if you have worked hard to have an audience trust you a bit, why blow it?
“That is my currency.”
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On TV he is Monty; at home, Montagu.
He explained: “You’d be amazed, but I can’t go anywhere without being recognised.
“I have no privacy in public – it is a dreadful intrusion.”
Meanwhile, Monty recently hosted Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in an episode of Gardeners’ World.
The pair chatted about what she enjoyed growing most as they explore the Jewel Garden.
Camilla discussed how important gardens and gardening can be for our wellbeing.
This was especially important, she said, given the course of the past 18 months with the various lockdowns.
BBC Gardeners’ World is on BBC Two tonight at 8:30pm.