The BBC has unveiled its presenting line-up for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show — but long-time presenter Joe Swift is absent from the roster for the second year running.
BBC coverage begins with a special launch show on 17th May ahead of the Chelsea Flower Show’s return to the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for a week of garden trends, inspiration and horticultural advice.
Who is presenting the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026?
Monty Don, Arit Anderson, Rachel De Thame, Adam Frost, Sophie Raworth, Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell make up the main presenting team for RHS Chelsea 2026, alongside a host of gardening experts and special guests appearing throughout the week-long coverage.
BBC Studios
(L-R): Arit, Rachel, Monty, Adam, Sophie
As the exclusive broadcaster of the world’s most prestigious gardening event, the BBC will once again bring viewers all the highlights from the showground in SW3, including this year’s garden designs, planting trends and floral displays.
BBC Studios
Nicki and Angellica
However, loyal viewers will notice that garden designer Joe Swift is once again absent from the line-up. The Gardeners’ World presenter became a familiar face on the BBC’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show coverage after joining the presenting team in 2010, but he was also missing from last year’s broadcast — sparking questions and disappointment among fans who enjoyed his long-running on-screen partnership with Monty Don.
Jeff Spicer//Getty Images
Joe Swift
Read more: Joe Swift isn’t presenting at Chelsea Flower Show 2025 — but his own company built a show garden
How to watch the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026
The BBC will offer unparalleled access to the world-famous flower show with comprehensive daily coverage across BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer throughout the week.
‘I’ve spent the last three weeks filming designers and growers as they build their show gardens at Chelsea. I can tell you it’s going to be another wonderful year,’ says BBC presenter Sophie Raworth. ‘We are in for a treat. It’s my 12th year as part of the team at the Chelsea Flower Show, and it is always a highlight of my year. I can’t wait to see it open to the public next week.’
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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 TV schedule
Planning to watch from home? The BBC’s full programming schedule for the week is as follows:
• Launch show
When? Sunday 17th May on BBC Two and iPlayer from 8pm
BBC Studios
Sophie and Adam
Sunday evening will be a one-hour launch programme with Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost. In the countdown to Chelsea, they will be taking an exclusive first look at the Show Gardens and Great Pavilion exhibits, including the exclusive reveal of The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden. Sophie and Adam will be joined by Rachel de Thame and JJ Chalmers.
• Weekday afternoon show
2pm-3pm, Monday to Friday on BBC One and iPlayer
BBC Studios
Nicki and Angellica
Join Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell for accessible, affordable take-home tips for gardeners of all abilities, from encouraging wildlife to bringing a holiday feel to gardens at home. Nicki and Angellica will be joined by a series of experts including Carol Klein, Frances Tophill, Sue Kent, Toby Buckland, Rachel de Thame, Flo Headlam and Chris Bavin.
• Weekday evening show
8pm-9pm, Monday to Friday on BBC Two
Monty Don will be joined by co-host Rachel de Thame at the start of the week, revealing this year’s stunning Great Pavillion exhibits and Show Gardens. Then, Arit Anderson joins Monty later in the week, exploring new plant introductions, including the RHS Plant of the Year.
Watch the evening coverage for exclusive celebrity interviews, special coverage of the Royal Family’s annual visit, and in-depth exploration of the plant specialisms, growers, and designers from the show.
Additional episode: 7pm, Friday 22nd May on BBC One and iPlayer: In this half-hour programme with Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost, they will be joined by special guest Dame Mary Berry, who will discover more about growing peonies, one of her favourite flowers.
• Highlight episodes
8pm, Saturday 23rd May on BBC Two: An hour-long highlights show presented by Monty Don and Rachel de Thame.
6.15pm, Sunday 24th May on BBC One and iPlayer: An hour-long highlights show reflecting on a jam-packed week at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026.
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