Monty Don left fans emotional on Wednesday as the 71-year-old confirmed that his final episode of Gardeners' World would be airing.
Sitting on a stone orb beside his beloved dog, Monty explained to his followers: "This Friday will be my very last Gardeners' World. I began 23 years ago. For 16 years, we've been filming in this garden with my various dogs. And that's come to an end.
"But it's a brilliant programme as ever, and it's been a complete privilege to be part of it. So join me on Friday for the last time."
Gardeners' World added in a caption to the post: "It's the end of an era as Monty presents his final programme of this series from Longmeadow this Friday. Tune in at 8pm on BBC Two for an emotional farewell to a much-loved chapter of Gardeners' World."
Fans were emotional over the video, as one commented: "The words 'welcome to Gardeners' World' will never sound the same," and a second noted: "It'll be a tough episode to watch, tissues at the ready."
A third penned: "I lost my mum almost 3 years ago and the highlight of our week was always watching Gardeners' World together on a Friday, with a glass of Prosecco and mum would have a pen and paper ready to jot down any plants we were on the hunt for! Thank you for the amazing memories Monty you were very special to both of us."
Monty Don's future
In September, Monty confirmed he was leaving the show, telling the Evening Standard that now "is the right time for a change" but he was quick to add that this didn't mean that he was going to stop working with the BBC.
"I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues," he explained. "There are more books to write, more programmes to make. And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."
Kate Phillips, the BBC's chief content officer, said that she respected Monty's decision. "Monty's decision to leave Gardeners' World is one I respect, but I'm still very sad he's leaving," she said.
"Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening.
© Instagram"We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!"
She continued: "I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness, which has seen him open up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health. We will miss him on the show hugely. Monty will be presenting BBC Gardeners' World from his beautiful LongMeadow gardens until the end of the year, and I look forward to working with him on the BBC on future projects."
