Horticulturalist Monty Don has been “reminded” of BBC guidelines after appearing on Gardeners’ World wearing a Barbour jacket, while simultaneously featuring in an advertising campaign for the same brand.
BBC rules state that presenters must not wear clothing on air that they have agreed to promote.
Don was seen in a navy blue Barbour jacket during the most recent series of the popular gardening programme.
He is currently part of Barbour’s “Way Of Life” campaign, where he discusses his relationship with nature.
BBC guidelines on conflicts of interest state: “Presenters or other individuals must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have agreed/been contracted to promote, advertise or endorse or in which they have a specific financial interest.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We have clear guidelines around presenters’ commercial activities while working with the BBC, and Monty has been reminded of these guidelines.”
Gardener Monty Don with his dog Ned, a golden retriever (AFP/Getty)
In 2024, presenters were reminded of the guidelines after Gary Lineker appeared to wear outfits from his own fashion range during coverage of England’s opening Euros game.
He sported a pale green knitted T-shirt, before putting on a sage green jacket at half-time.
Both items resembled clothing from the Next X Gary Lineker collection, which was promoted as being “edited by the legendary man himself”.
Earlier this year, Don released a new book, British Gardens, to accompany his BBC series.
The book explores the nation’s diverse horticultural traditions and showcases a variety of green spaces, including Birkhall, the King’s private garden, and Scampston Hall, famed for Piet Oudolf’s innovative walled garden design.
Other featured gardens include Wollerton Old Hall, a “magical” creation by a dedicated couple, and Rousham, hailed as one of the greatest and best-preserved landscape gardens in the country.
Don attributes the unique character of British gardens to the country’s ideal climate for a wide range of plants and Britons’ deep-seated passion for gardening, noting that 83 per cent of the population has access to a garden.
Don also revealed the demanding reality behind the tranquil image of the production of Gardeners’ World, describing it as a “full on” process requiring extensive preparation and editing.
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