Not much escapes the watchful of BBC2’s Friday night tradition – and Don soon reverted to what he had done before
Monty Don in his Paradise Garden at Longmeadow(Image: BBC Studios)
It’s the hour-long escape that provides millions with a calming entry point into the weekend.
But some of Gardeners’ World’s legions of viewers have been perturbed by a recent change to BBC2’s Friday night institution.
Because they were quick to notice that beloved host Monty Don stopped giving his traditional welcome: “Hello and welcome to Gardeners’ World”.
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It might seem a subtle difference – but it matters to an audience which is routinely left fuming at schedulers whenever the show is replaced by live international football or other sporting events.
Among those missing Don’s usual greeting was Grahame Blankley, who wrote on a Facebook fans’ page: “I noticed Monty didn’t say hello (and) welcome to Gardeners’ World.”
Stephen Rose replied: “Hello, and welcome to Gardeners’ World” – my wife and I couldn’t believe Monty didn’t say it last week!”
Kate Roche interjected: “I was watching and I said it!”
It’s not clear whether news of viewers’ disquiet made it back to Don’s famous Longmeadow garden in rural Herefordshire.
But the greeting has returned in recent weeks, with the show in its last few episodes before it takes a break for the winter.
How long Don will be the main presenter is also up in the air – and has been addressed by the man himself. He is midway through another two-year deal, taking in this year and 2026.
He admitted: “Every time I think: ‘Am I really going to do this?’ But the truth is I enjoy it. I’m lucky because it’s in my own garden. If the programme is made well, I’ll continue.”
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