Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don has opened up about his health journey, revealing he’s had a double knee replacement and admits he’s ‘not quite the same shape’ as when he was 20
Christopher Sharp Trendswatch Reporter
13:22, 16 Mar 2026Updated 13:23, 16 Mar 2026
Monty Don has spoken about items he can’t wear but won’t let go of(Image: Ben Montgomery, Getty Images)
Monty Don stands as one of Britain’s most recognisable television personalities, having delighted audiences for decades with his gardening expertise and guidance.
He has shepherded the nation’s gardeners through changing seasons and their various obstacles, offering advice on achieving the finest possible outdoor spaces.
Yet, aside from his gardening prowess, Monty has increasingly opened up about his personal physical and mental wellbeing and the realities of ageing. During one interview, when asked about clothing he has despite no longer wearing them, he responded before reflecting on a key distinction between his current self and his younger years.
Speaking with The Times, he confessed that he had “always loved good cut and fabrics” to such a degree that he wouldn’t “throw away a beautiful jacket or a well-cut shirt”.
He continued: “I have Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto clothes from the Eighties that I haven’t worn for 30 years. Would I wear them now? The brutal truth is that, at 70, I’m not quite the same shape as when I was 20. I have to suck my tummy in and hold my breath.”
Monty Don and his dog(Image: Getty)
This isn’t the first time the Gardeners’ World host has discussed bodily changes throughout the years. Writing in a column for BBC Gardeners’ World magazine, Monty revealed he had been wrestling with a knee condition for an extended period, reports the Express.
Monty acknowledged that he had previously consulted his GP regarding the issues, that he had disregarded the medical guidance provided, and eventually required a double knee replacement procedure.
He recalled: “I remember going to my doctor when I first had knee trouble and he commented drilly that knees were appallingly badly designed and that was the end of it. He prescribed painkillers and told me to stop digging. I ignored both aspects of the prescription.
“Last summer I finally got round to having scans and seeing a surgeon and was duly told both my knees needed replacing. This was a bit of a surprise as I had been working on the assumption that I had one good knee and one bad knee.”
Monty Don(Image: Getty)
After the surgery, Monty revealed his increased mobility and drew a comparison with his cherished Land Rover Defender, expressing hope for a few more years of activity.
He stated: “The important thing…is that I shall be able to do things again, to get stuck in and crack on….with a fair wind and thanks to superb surgical skills, I should, like my beaten-up old Defender, keep ploughing on a bit longer.”
Recently, there have been rumours about who might step into Monty’s shoes when he eventually decides to retire his trowel.
However, reflecting on his tenure on the show last year, Monty said: “I’d be very happy to do another five years. If the BBC renew my contract, I’d happily take it.”
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