Alan Titchmarsh has become a household name over the years, but the popular TV gardener has confessed that he had considered quitting one BBC show after receiving a comment in the street
Alan Titchmarsh reflected on his time on one hit BBC show(Image: John Phillips, Getty Images)
Veteran horticulture expert Alan Titchmarsh has candidly opened up about his initial hesitation following a significant shift in his career trajectory.
Reflecting on his earlier career, the green-fingered guru shared how he experienced an unexpected rise to fame after his popular programme, Ground Force, transitioned from BBC Two to the prime-time slot on BBC One.
The home improvement show, featuring alongside Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh, quickly became a hit after its launch in 1997, astounding viewers by transforming their gardens.
During his recent conversation on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast, Alan revealed he was rather unprepared for the sudden increase in public recognition. He noted that being greeted by almost everyone while walking down the street was something new for him: “I noticed, nearly everyone when I walked down the street would say ‘hello’.”
Alan hosted Ground Force from 1997 until 2002(Image: Mark Cuthbert, UK Press via Getty Images)
Despite the warm reception from his newfound audience, Alan felt conflicted as this level of attention was quite contrary to his natural disposition.
Reflecting on his unease, he shared: “I got home and I remember the day quite well, and I thought ‘oh I don’t know that I like this’. I’ve always been not star struck but quite quiet really.”
Confronted with quite the dilemma, the familiar face of Gardeners’ World deliberated over whether he should step back from the limelight or adapt to the increased public interest.
He resolved his conundrum by adjusting to his new status: “Well, I got home and thought well you’ve got to get out now (leave the show) or get used to this, because people were really nice, but I thought okay, so I got used to it.”
Alan Titchmarsh, who designed nearly 70 gardens during his five-year stint on the show, including one for Nelson Mandela, ended his time on the programme in 2002. However, his career has continued to flourish over the years.
Although he is perhaps best-known for hosting Gardeners’ World from 1996 to 2002, he has remained a highly respected figure in the gardening world, featuring on shows such as The Queen’s Garden and Britain’s Best Back Gardens. He has also imparted his gardening wisdom through several books, including his popular How to Garden series.
The gardening expert will be back on our screens on Sunday morning (March 30) on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, at 9.30 am.