Matthew Biggs was well-known during his broadcasting career for appearing on BBC Radio hit Gardeners’ Question Time but had also appeared on screens via ITV and Channel 4
22:06, 22 May 2026Updated 22:20, 22 May 2026
BBC radio star has died just days after making an on-air appurtenance (file)(Image: Getty)
A BBC Radio star has sadly passed away just days after appearing on the show he was best known for.
Matthew Biggs has died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer. The veteran broadcaster was known for Gardeners’ Question Time and appeared on the show right up until his death.
He also made appearance on our TV screens with ITV and Channel 4 during his broadcasting career, reports the Mirror.
News of his sad passing was announced on Thursday (May 21), just days after his final episode on the agricultural series.
Biggs had been had been living with bowel cancer since 2020. Tributes have now been paid following his death as he was hailed as a “true ambassador”.
BBC radio star Matthew Biggs has sadly passed away(Image: Elstree Screen Arts)
Mohit Bakaya, the Controller of Radio 4, said: “Everyone at Radio 4 is deeply grateful to Matthew for everything he has given to Gardeners’ Question Time over the years. He has been an extraordinary contributor and a true ambassador for Radio 4 in the horticultural world!”
Fellow horticulturist and long-time friend Roy Lancaster also paid tribute to Biggs, seen by many as one of the most trusted voices in British gardening.
Biggs has been hailed as one of the most trusted voices in gardening (Image: Jim Holden/Shutterstock)
He said: “A bundle of energy, a bundle of fun and a bundle of knowledge all bundled together into one person. A bundle of bundles. A man whose company you’d be happy with on any journey”.
Tim Upson, Director of Gardens and Horticulture at the RHS, has also paid tribue after first meeting Biggs 40 years ago.
He said: ” “I first met Matt 40 years ago when I started at Kew on the Diploma course; Matt had just graduated. I can still vividly remember his welcoming smile, passion and enthusiasm for plants – something he has taken throughout his career.
“This came through so powerfully from his friends and colleagues in the nomination for the VMH”.
His career was crowned with the award of the Victoria Medal of Honour in May 2026. The honour is limited to 63 living recipients at any one time, and is reserved for gardeners who have made an exceptional and lasting impact on the practice.
Recipients included King Charles III, Beth Chatto and David Austin over the years.
Comments are closed.