Alan Titchmarsh has opened up about his time at school and how one thing still affects him to this day, despite him being one of the most recognisable faces in broadcasting
Alan Titchmarsh has shared how one issue from childhood still affects him to this day(Image: Kate Green, Getty Images)
Gardening icon Alan Titchmarsh has offered a rare insight into this youth as he admitted he suffered from a lack of self-confidence and it “weighed quite heavily” on him.
The renowned former Gardeners’ World was speaking on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast as he confessed those experiences from that time continue to impact him today.
Recalling his days in the classroom, Alan shared: “I was quite used at school to being told ‘shut up Titchmarsh sit down’.”
However, asked whether he was the sort of child misbehave whilst in the classroom, Titchmarsh clarified the contrary, saying: “No, I wasn’t at all obstreperous. I was very keen and enthusiastic, but easily crushed,”
Alan has established himself as one of the most respected names in gardening down the years(Image: Mark Cuthbert, UK Press via Getty Images)
He conveyed how the setbacks he faced as a child deeply impacted him, leaving a mark that persists even now. He continued: “And I felt it did weigh quite heavily on me that. I felt, I was a classic late developer, really. I had very little self-confidence. I know you won’t believe it now, but it still affects and attacks me on occasions.”
In discussing adulthood, he expressed that while complete self-assurance remains elusive, he’s found strength through his love for gardening: “Self-confidence still isn’t there in spades, pardon the pun, but I know what I can do now. I’ve been lucky enough to find what I hope I’m good at.”
Over the years, he has also cemented his status as one of the most influential figures in the world of gardening, hosting a variety of TV shows as well as regularly appearing on the Gardeners’ World podcast. His exceptional contributions to gardening and charity were recognised earlier this year when he was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).
After decades on our screens sharing his extensive gardening wisdom, Alan is perhaps best known for hosting Gardeners’ World from 1996 until his departure in 2002. He was succeeded by Monty Don, who has been the show’s main presenter ever since.
Alan remains a popular figure in broadcasting, appearing on the ITV show Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh every Sunday morning. Here, he hosts celebrity guests including Ben Fogle, Matt Baker, Joanna Page and Alan Davies.