Amanda Holden Names Caroline Quentin as Possible Monty Don Replacement

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Amanda Holden Names Caroline Quentin as Possible Monty Don Replacement

11.09.2026 11 September 2026
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2 min.
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1 quote

Unexpected Gardeners’ World Pick

Amanda Holden has suggested Caroline Quentin could be a strong choice to replace Monty Don on Gardeners' World.

Don, 71, announced earlier this week that he is leaving the BBC programme after 23 years, although viewers will continue to see him broadcasting from Longmeadow until later this year.

Discussing his exit on Heart Breakfast, Jamie Theakston said his successor would have a difficult job following such an established presenter. Holden then put forward Quentin, who is known not only for acting but also for her interest in gardening and art.

She said: "People might not know this, she's fascinating, she's funny, she's an actress, she knows a lot about gardening and growing things."

Holden added that Quentin has considerable knowledge of plants and growing, even if her experience may differ from Don's technical expertise.

Don announced his departure in an Instagram video, reflecting on his time with the show and confirming that he will continue working with the BBC on other projects. He also said he plans to write more books, make more programmes and continue gardening at Longmeadow.

Since confirming his exit, Don has also become the face of the Bleue Burnham x New Balance collaboration.

BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said she respected his decision but was saddened by his departure, praising his calm broadcasting style and contribution to the programme.

The BBC has not yet announced a replacement. Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Jamie Butterworth, Joe Swift and Arit Anderson are among the names being discussed.

Former Gardeners' World presenter Alan Titchmarsh also remains an important figure in the programme's history, while Carol Klein is another long-standing name associated with BBC gardening television.

Tophill previously indicated that she does not see herself becoming a permanent central presenter, explaining that gardening remains her main profession.

For now, Holden's support for Quentin adds another unexpected candidate to the speculation surrounding Gardeners' World's next chapter.

HOLDEN Amanda

English actress and media personality
#11
THEAKSTON James

English television presenter
#210
PHILLIPS Kate

British actress
#763
DON Montagu

English horticulturist
#805
QUENTIN Caroline

English actress
#807
FROST Adam

British garden designer and horticulturist
#810
TOPHILL Frances

British horticulturist
#814
SWIFT Joseph

English garden designer
#819
ANDERSON Arit

British garden designer
#825
TITCHMARSH Alan

English gardener
#829
KLEIN Carol

English gardening expert
#834
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

#1
New Balance Athletics (NB)

#116

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