Gardeners’ World icon Alan Titchmarsh says he didn’t need to think long when he was asked if there was one thing he did that would irritate his wife Alison
Alan Titchmarsh says he does one thing that irritates his wife(Image: Ferdaus Shamim, WireImagevia Getty Images)
Alan Titchmarsh has extended an apology to his wife Alison as he opened up about a personal “struggle” he faces. The esteemed Gardeners’ World figure, who has been wed to Alison since 1975 and shares two children with her, acknowledged that there are habits of his which may annoy her.
In a recent interview, when quizzed about any behaviours that might “irritate” his spouse, Alan confessed it didn’t take him long to come up with an answer. The 76-year-old gardening expert recognises himself as a natural “potterer”.
Although Alan can be captivated by a film for an hour or two, he often feels compelled to stay active, admitting that he can only dedicate around 10 to 15 minutes to reading a book before feeling restless.
Penning his thoughts in Gardeners’ World magazine, Alan wrote: “What irritates my wife above all else is my inability to sit still for more than five minutes. I am, you see, a born potterer.”
He doesn’t necessarily feel the impulse to jump up and tackle household chores, but Alan does find it challenging to remain idle, especially during his working week, reports Gloucestershire Live.
He ponders whether this restlessness is a common trait among gardeners. Alan shared that he frequently plans to work on a particular task in his garden but ends up being diverted by other pressing duties that arise.
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Despite this, Alan admits he takes pleasure in “the very nature” of being a potterer. He does, however, concede that he sometimes “wastes time” observing the robins at his bird feeder as they feast on the seeds.
While Alan Titchmarsh concedes he should occasionally sit back and admire his horticultural efforts, he prefers to do so while engaging in tasks like dead-heading flowers or tidying up his lawn’s edges. He describes the joy of being “gently busy” as “irresistibly pleasurable”.
The admission led him to apologise to his wife, Alison. He confessed: “So forgive me if, after having sat down for my tea or coffee for all of about three or four minutes, I feel the need to get up and… well, potter. Sorry Mrs T.”
Alan Titchmarsh and his wife Alison(Image: Getty)
Alan, a veritable mainstay on British television, has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over four decades since first featuring on the BBC’s Nationwide in 1979. His presenting portfolio includes beloved programmes such as BBC Gardeners’ World, Ground Force, and hosting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The latest episode of his programme Love Your Weekend is set to broadcast today (July 13) at 9.30am on ITV One. Today’s show sees Alan accompanied by esteemed actress Penelope Keith, celebrated actor Robert Lindsay, and musical theatre sensation Marisha Wallace.
In addition, garden expert Camilla Bassett-Smith will inject vibrant colour into the flower beds at Alan’s Manor Farm. The episode will also revisit the grand unveiling of the highly-anticipated Love Your Weekend greenhouse.