Gardeners’ World icon Alan Titchmarsh has opened up about the challenges of getting older and how it affects his lifestyle, including his ability to care for pets. Speaking to Best magazine, the gardening guru revealed that as he’s aged, having a dog has become more problematic: “Being older now we can be away quite a bit, which makes dog owning more difficult.”
Despite this, Alan finds joy in looking after his ‘grand-dogs’, the beloved pets of his grandchildren.The 75-year-old TV veteran also touched on his digital presence, admitting that while he enjoys posting garden views and plant tips on Instagram, he harbours concerns about the more problematic side of social media: “I do worry about social media and its impact, though.”
He elaborated on his apprehension, stating: “It can encourage introspection and become something of an obsession. I contribute to it but hopefully in a more wholesome way.”
Alan, the renowned horticulturalist and broadcaster, remains a treasured icon in the realm of gardening television, thanks to his iconic stint as the host on BBC’s Gardeners’ World from 1996 to 2002. Monty Don eventually took over the reins and has been steering the show ever since Alan’s departure. Besides presenting Gardeners’ World, Alan has also featutred on fellow BBC shows including Breakfast Time and Open Air as a gardening expert.
Alan’s incredible contributions to horticulture and charity were recognised earlier this year when he was made a CBE in the New Year Honours list, having orignally been made an MBE back in 2000.
However, Alan’s illustrious presenting career didn’t wane post-Gardeners’ World; he is now delighting audiences with his programme, Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV. Airing every Sunday morning, Alan offers an exploration into “all that is great about the British countryside, including arts, crafts, manufacturing and produce.”
Each episode sees Alan engaging with a lineup of celebrity guests that spans an exciting range, featuring personalities such as Ben Fogle, Matt Baker, Joanna Page and Alan Davies.
Tune into ITV this morning (March 16) at 9.30am for another enchanting episode of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh.