Monty Don delighted fans on Wednesday with his first social media post since revealing he would be stepping down from BBC Gardeners’ World.
The 71-year-old shared an adorable photograph on Instagram showing his golden retriever Ned lounging contentedly with a carrot toy.
The playful caption read: “News update, despite rumours, there is to be no change of host of ‘Carroters’ World'”
Mr Don’s dogs have long been fan favourites on the programme, with Ned’s appearances at Longmeadow becoming almost as cherished as the gardening advice itself.
Monty Don has fronted Gardeners’ World since 2003 | INSTAGRAM/MONTY DON
The post quickly attracted an outpouring of affection from followers grateful for the reassurance.
One penned: “We still need Insta updates of Ned and The Carrot especially after the last gardeners world is aired.”
A second wrote: “We will miss you so much. You taught me everything I know about gardening.
“Hoping for continued updates in the future, on both Ned and the lovely garden we all feel so attached to now,” another shared.
Another reflected: “Nothing lasts forever but it was a joy watching you and the dogs over the years. I will miss your warm hello, the relaxing watch and ofcourse all your gardening experience. I hope we still see you in broadcasting. Going to miss you.”
“Phew! I do hope every so often we shall have a small update for Ned’s carrot world,” a different fan echoed.
One more quipped: “Thank goodness! Couldn’t take that sadness too!”
Mr Don’s departure announcement confirmed that the current 57th series, filmed at his Herefordshire home, would be his last.
Monty Don shared his first post since announcing his Gardeners’ World exit
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BBCHe took over the programme in 2003, succeeding Alan Titchmarsh, and has presented roughly seven hundred episodes since.
“I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last,” he said.
He added that he began hosting “23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.”
The presenter described the bond he had forged with viewers as something he “always treasured,” calling it central to “a life well lived.”
Looking ahead, he struck an optimistic tone: “There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.”
BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips expressed her sadness at the decision, while acknowledging her respect for it.
“Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening,” she said.
Sharon Fisher, the programme’s Series Editor at BBC Studios, highlighted Don’s “extraordinary” contributions to the show.
She noted that he had overcome a minor stroke in 2008, stepping away from broadcasting before making a triumphant return in 2011.
“Through his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he has inspired millions to discover the pleasure and purpose that getting your hands into the soil can bring,” Ms Fisher said, describing his exit as “the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme’s history.”