Monty Don has shared a second statement after the BBC confirmed he will leave Gardeners' World at the end of the current series.
Last week, Monty announced he would hang up his gardening boots and step down from Gardeners' World after 23 years as the show's lead presenter, including 16 years broadcasting from his own garden, Longmeadow.
In a statement shared by the BBC, the 71-year-old said 'now is the right time for a change.' Viewers reacted immediately and emotionally, with many fans mourning his departure, while others thanked him for being a guiding light on their own gardening journeys over the years.
'It's hard to put into words what Gardeners’ World has meant over the years,' one fan commented underneath Monty's video announcing the news.
'You made it feel like so much more than a gardening programme. It was a hug and a balm, a gentle, reassuring place to land when life felt heavy. Thank you for all the knowledge, warmth and quiet comfort you’ve shared with us.'
Another wrote: 'I will miss you, but you've earned a rest and a quieter life.'
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Now, Monty has responded to the outpouring of support in a new statement shared on Instagram and Facebook.
'I just wanted to say thank you to all of you who sent me so many messages after last week. They were encouraging, they were moving, they were kind, they were embarrassing. It was fabulous, so thank you very much indeed,' he said.
However, Monty also made clear that leaving the beloved BBC programme does not mean he is hanging up the gardening apron for good.
'I'm not retiring,' he stressed. 'I am leaving Gardener's World, but I have got other projects on the go. And who knows what the future holds. I will still be working and sharing Longmeadow with you here on Instagram, if nowhere else.
'But really, the most important thing is: thank you so much for all your kindness this last week.'
Viewers can continue watching Monty on BBC Gardeners' World until the end of the year.
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