Gardeners’ World guest left BBC viewers in tears with fans taking to social media to share their sadnessAlexandra Bullard What’s On, Showbiz and TV Writer and Joanne Ridout Property Editor
13:04, 10 Aug 2025Updated 13:05, 10 Aug 2025
A guest on the show revealed that he was battling terminal cancer (Image: BBC)
Viewers of the much-loved television programme Gardeners’ World were deeply touched by the poignant story of Steve, a professional inventor, who shared his emotional health battle on the programme. Living with his wife Pippa, Steve opened up about his terminal cancer diagnosis during the show.
In the episode which showcased the couple’s garden, Steve confided in the audience that he had been given a terminal prognosis and was unsure of the time he had left, saying it could be “two months or two years, possibly.”
Despite his health battle, in the episode Steve maintained a positive spirit, treating his illness as a “new challenge”. Across the country there are people coming to terms with life-changing health diagnosis that sometimes result in a radical rethink, like Tim Jenkins from Cardiff who has who sold his cottage to live on a boat.
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The BBC’s audience was quick to react to Steve’s moving story, told on the latest episode of BBC’s Gardeners’ World. One viewer expressed their feelings online, saying: “Stunning cottage-type garden with windmill a bonus and unique. Typical cancer comes along for the bloke who still wants to finish the windmill. Let’s hope he can do it and beats the disease as he dearly loves his wife. #GardenersWorld.”, reports the Mirror. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Another added their comment, saying: “Inventor man, what an inspiration # Gardenersworld.” A third shared their reaction to the episode, saying: “Well that took a sad and rather dark turn,” including an emotional emoji.
Echoing similar sentiments, one viewer commented: “Wonderful couple windmill garden #GardenersWorld #PositiveMindset” and another added: “How marvellous to have a windmill. Love it, shall we call him Windy Miller? No, call him Mr. Toad. He has the correct attitude, be positive, get up, dress up, show up and never give up #GardenersWorld.”
Monty Don has opened up about the future of the show(Image: BBC)
Earlier this year, Monty Don, the beloved presenter of Gardeners’ World, spoke candidly about what lies ahead for the cherished programme. The 69-year-old has been a household name on the BBC series since 2003. Rumours have circulated that he might step down in the near future, particularly following a string of recent health concerns.
However, Monty has reassured viewers that the show will carry on for at least another two years, telling Radio Times: “I never make plans beyond two years, but I’ve agreed to do another two. If the programme is made well, I’ll continue.
This announcement follows Monty being compelled to axe several tour dates after being rushed to A&E, he explained: “I had a little spate of illness in the middle of the tour. I was in hospital last week, so I’ve been taking it easy.”
For Monty, gardening serves as a form of therapy following his diagnosis with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During an appearance on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast, he explained: “I was long ago diagnosed with SAD there’s no question about it, that November and December are always the worst time for me I can’t bear them.”
Back in 2008, Monty experienced a minor stroke, which forced him to step back from Gardeners’ World and pause his broadcasting career.
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