Inside Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh's years-long 'rivalry' after TV 'dumping' (2024)

Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don have reportedly been feuding for years (Image: Gardeners' World)

Despite viewers believing they have always been close friends, Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don have reportedly been feuding for years.

Both sharing a love of gardening, Alan seemed more than happy when Monty took over hosting duties of Gardeners' World following his six-year stint presenting the BBC programme.

But it has now been claimed that their relationship has soured over the years following a number of incidents. Back in the 90s, Alan was crowned the king of gardening and fronted some of the biggest shows on the BBC.

As well as Gardeners' World, the 75-year-old also hosted Ground Force where he would perform a makeover on a garden alongside Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh.

READ MORE... Alan Titchmarsh warns not to mow lawn on Sundays [LATEST]

Monty Don took over from Alan Titchmarsh as the presenter of Gardeners' World (Image: Getty)

In 2003, Alan decided it was time to hand over the reins of Gardeners' World to someone else and recommended Monty for the job.

The show's popularity soared and with ratings at an all time high, Monty, 68, went on to write and produce several garden series of his own. Alan opened up about why he chose Monty, who seemed surprised that he personally recommended him.

Speaking on the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine YouTube channel, the broadcaster said: "I was asked when I left who I would recommend."

Shocked by the admission, Month responded: "Did you? That's the first time!" Alan interjected: "And I said 'You need an anchorman and I think your best bet is Monty Don'."

Alan's expertise in horticulture led to him presenting the Chelsea Flower Show in 1983. He hosted the programme for BBC television every year before he was "squeezed out" in 2013.

Don't miss...
Strictly Janette Manrara's heartbreaking three-word tribute after tragic loss [LATEST]
Giovanni Pernice breaks silence after BBC 'launches investigation' into star [LATEST]
BBC Breakfast fans say same thing as rarely-seen star hosts after Naga absence [LATEST]

Alan Titchmarsh hosted the Chelsea Flower Show for three decades (Image: Getty)

Speaking to the Telegraph at the time, Alan said: "My decision to step down from presenting next year's BBC Chelsea Flower Show programmes was taken for one reason only: I was not offered the chance to present the breadth of coverage that I had previously undertaken.

"Feeling that I would be unable to undertake the presentation of the show to the best of my ability led me to step aside." He explained that he was told he would have a limited role, adding: "I was told that these programmes had already been offered to another presenter."

He was then replaced by Monty, something he wasn't aware of at the time. Speaking to Radio Times in 2014 after learning who his replacement was, he said: "Yes, I suppose I was hurt, because I know people enjoy it as much as I loved doing it.

"Was I dumped for Monty Don? You might say that ‒ I couldn't possibly comment. They made me an offer I had to refuse ‒ it's up to them, I'm not bitter."