Alan Titchmarsh’s update on health struggles after gardening took its toll on him

The beloved gardening presenter has been open about his health struggles

Joe Crutchley Screen Time reporter

13:21, 01 Jan 2026Updated 13:22, 01 Jan 2026

Alan Titchmarsh’s update on health struggles after gardening took its toll on him(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

Alan Titchmarsh has provided a health update, nearly a decade after undergoing knee surgery.

The cherished television personality, now 76, had an operation on his knees in 2018 following years of damage caused by countless hours spent crouching in gardens.

During the procedure, Alan had worn tissue and cartilage removed from his knees. Speaking to The Mirror at the time, he said: “I had it all cleared out and they feel so much better.

“I’ve got bad knees as a result of a lot of kneeing over the years from gardening, and it has got a bit frayed in there, but I am a spring chicken again now.”

Alan had knee surgery in 2018(Image: ITV)

Recently, Alan provided an update on his condition. On Thursday (January 1) the broadcaster returned to television screens for Love Your New Year’s Day with Alan Titchmarsh, reports the Mirror.

During a chat with guests Bonnie Langford and Gregor Fisher, the discussion shifted towards the subject of growing older. Alan said: “Your age. You can’t fight that but at the same time, just being realistic as well as being adventurous in what you do, it’s a combination of the two.”

He spoke about his health issue on the show

Gregor Fisher then remarked to Alan: “Embrace your age, it’s like you and your knees and dancing and all that kind of stuff.”

Alan responded: “I can still do this!” as he dropped down onto his knees before rising back up with apparent ease. Bonnie exclaimed: “Oh very good!”.

In a rather rueful admission, however, Alan then quipped: “Ow I’ll pay for that later!” Following Alan’s surgical procedure in 2018, the broadcaster encountered additional health challenges when he fractured his ankle during the pandemic lockdown.

Alan also broke his ankle after his knee surgery(Image: ITV)

In conversation with the Radio Times, he revealed he had been keeping fit by walking 26,000 steps daily and tending to his garden, before taking a tumble on damp grass.

“I broke my ankle at the beginning of September,” he revealed. “I slipped on wet grass and was on crutches for six weeks.” After his mishap, Alan expressed his frustration that the weight he had previously shed returned.

“It was very frustrating because you can’t even carry a cup of tea,” he continued. “I found having to rely on somebody else doing absolutely everything for me really hard I’m not a terribly good patient; I don’t do ill.”

Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh airs every Sunday at 9:30am on ITV1.