Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don has announced his decision to leave the BBC show, and co-presenter Adam Frost has shared his candid thoughts on taking over from the star.
Adam Frost on Gardeners’ World(Image: BBC Studios)
Gardeners’ World star Adam Frost delivered a frank six-word reply when questioned about his future on the popular BBC programme, hinting that the new host of the show wouldn’t necessarily be just one person.
Adam has become a recognisable presence for audiences since 2016 when he began serving as a stand-in for regular host Monty Don.
Back in 2025, The Sunday Times asked Adam whether he would be interested in taking over from Monty when the presenter eventually steps away. Adam responded: “I’m comfortable being the supply teacher.
“Besides, my gut says that when his lordship hangs up his trowel, it won’t be any one person. There will be a small group of co-presenters”.
It comes as Monty announced earlier this week that he is to step down from Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years.
In a statement, the presenter said the time had come for change and he was ready for his next adventure, promising the move does not signal the end of his TV career.
Monty said: “I have decided that the current series of Gardeners’ World is to be my last. I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.
“Throughout that time – and around seven hundred programmes – I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience.
“That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.”
There is a few potential replacements that could replace Monty including, Frances Tophill, Arit Anderson, Jamie Butterworth, Rachel de Thame, and of course Adam.
Monty has previously suggested that he would prefer to see a female presenter succeed him when he ultimately retires, after acknowledging he doesn’t have “endless time left”.
Monty told The Times: “Gardening has traditionally been a conservative – note the small ‘c’ – world and there is a male-dominated view of horticulture.
“I think anything that encourages new thoughts, new people, new ideas is healthy, but when I said that I was actually thinking about a woman successor.
“There is a male-dominated view of horticulture; there are easily as many good women gardeners as men but more male designers are represented at the Chelsea Flower Show. Why is that? There’s no reason.”
Monty said he would like to dedicate more time to producing documentaries when he steps down from Gardeners’ World. He initially joined the programme over two decades ago, taking over from Alan Titchmarsh as host.
This made Monty the first self-taught gardener to present the flagship programme. Speaking to the Guardian in 2024, Monty said: “I haven’t got endless time left. If I’m still going strong in 20 years, that will be brilliant, but 20 years ago doesn’t seem so long ago.”
Monty’s departure is certain to be difficult for audiences, who have become attached to his moments with his dogs and his signature “Hello” as he works in his garden.
Adam has nevertheless proved a hit with audiences. He was initially “nervous” about the reaction to his new property and smaller garden, but now feels viewers have found his new Lincolnshire residence “more relatable”.
The presenter however acknowledges that it will be his wife Sulina who determines whether their new property becomes their “forever home”. The pair share the house with their four children – Abi-Jade, Jacob, Amber-Lily and Oakley.
Gardeners’ World is on BBC2 on Friday at 9pm and is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.
