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Monty Don has hosted his final episode of Gardeners’ World, bringing to a close a run of more than two decades on the BBC programme.
The 71-year-old signed off from Longmeadow, the garden that has served as the show’s base for 16 years, in an episode broadcast on Friday.
His dog Ned was alongside him as he thanked viewers on the programme.
Don said: “From myself, Ned, and Longmeadow it’s the final goodbye.
“I first began presenting Gardeners’ World 23 years ago at Berryfields and we came here to Longmeadow 16 years ago and, in that time, things have changed.
“The garden has grown, Nigel has been and gone, and Nellie and Patty [his previous dogs], but there has been one constant factor, and that has been the incredible privilege and pleasure of sharing my garden and my gardening life with you here, as well as working with so many superb people.
“So, thank you. Thank you for coming on that journey with me and good luck with your own gardens in the future. So, for the last time. Goodbye.”
His departure from the weekly series does not take him off BBC screens entirely.
During the episode, Don confirmed he would remain part of the presenting line-up for next year’s Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show.
He will also feature in two winter specials, which are expected to air between now and Christmas.
One celebratory episode will see him reflect on his years presenting the series and the changes he has seen at Longmeadow during his time on the show.
Details of the next series of Gardeners’ World will be announced at a later date.
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Don took over the programme in 2003 from fellow TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh, at his predecessor’s request.
Before Gardeners’ World, his television roles included hosting Tomorrow’s World and Holiday, as well as a gardening segment on This Morning.
He stepped away from the programme for three years after suffering a minor stroke in 2008.
The show moved to his private garden when he returned.
Don’s final episode of Gardeners’ World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.