Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh have been firm favourites on our TV screens for years, but it has been claimed that the pair have been feuding for years behind-the-scenes
Bethany Whittingham Showbiz & TV Reporter, Samantha Mallac and Jennie Buzaglo
16:50, 10 Jul 2025
Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don have apparently been at odds for years (Image: Gardeners World)
Despite audiences assuming they’ve always been firm friends, Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don have allegedly been locked in a behind-the-scenes feud for years.
Both passionate about gardening, Alan appeared delighted when Monty assumed presenting responsibilities for Gardeners’ World in 2003 after his six-year tenure hosting the BBC show, reports the Express.
However, it’s been suggested that their friendship has deteriorated over time due to several incidents. During the 1990s, Alan earned the title ‘King of Gardening’ and fronted major horticultural programmes on the BBC.
Beyond Gardeners’ World, the 75-year-old also presented Ground Force, transforming gardens alongside co-presenters Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh.
Monty Don is a firm telly favourite(Image: PA)
In 2003, Alan felt it was appropriate to pass on Gardeners’ World hosting duties to another presenter, and put forward Monty for the coveted role. The programme’s success skyrocketed and with viewing figures reaching record heights, Monty, 69, subsequently created and produced numerous gardening series of his own.
Later, Alan revealed his reasoning behind selecting Monty, who appeared surprised that he had personally endorsed him. During an interview on the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine YouTube channel, the presenter explained: “I was asked when I left who I would recommend.”
Monty was taken aback by the revelation, to which he replied: “Did you? That’s the first time!” while Alan chimed in with: “And I said ‘You need an anchorman and I think your best bet is Monty Don’.”
Alan’s extensive knowledge of gardening led him to present the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time in 1983.
He became a staple presenter for the BBC television coverage of the event annually until he felt “squeezed out” in 2013.
Alan Titchmarsh insists he’s ‘not bitter'(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Killik & Co)
Speaking to the Telegraph then, Alan remarked: “My decision to step down from presenting next year’s BBC Chelsea Flower Show programmes was taken for one reason only: I was not offered the chance to present the breadth of coverage that I had previously undertaken.
“Feeling that I would be unable to undertake the presentation of the show to the best of my ability led me to step aside.”
He disclosed that he was informed his role would be reduced, stating: “I was told that these programmes had already been offered to another presenter.”
Unaware at the time that Monty would be his successor, Alan expressed his feelings to Radio Times in 2014 after discovering who replaced him: “Yes, I suppose I was hurt, because I know people enjoy it as much as I loved doing it.
“Was I dumped for Monty Don? You might say that I couldn’t possibly comment. They made me an offer I had to refuse. It’s up to them, I’m not bitter.”
Since then, Monty Don has embarked on a UK tour for his Audience With show, providing fans with a glimpse into his life beyond the programme and his interests outside of gardening.
In the meantime, Alan Titchmarsh launched a new programme titled Love My Weekend in 2020 on ITV1, which rapidly gained popularity among viewers.
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