Herefordshire's Monty Don has delivered an emotional final farewell to viewers as he steps down from BBC's Gardeners' World after more than two decades.
The 71-year-old signed off from Longmeadow at the end of his final episode as lead presenter, bringing to a close a 23-year association with the programme.
Speaking to the camera with faithful dog Ned alongside him, Don looked back on the years spent filming from Longmeadow and thanked viewers for joining him on the journey.
He said: "From myself, Ned and Longmeadow, it's the final goodbye."
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Don reminded viewers that he first began presenting Gardeners' World 23 years ago at Berryfields before the programme moved to Longmeadow 16 years ago.
Reflecting on the changes since then, he said: "The garden's grown. Nigel has been gone, and Nelly, and Patty."
The mention of his dogs is likely to strike a chord with long-time viewers, particularly Nigel, the golden retriever who became one of the programme's most popular figures before his death in 2020.
Despite the changes, Don said there had been one constant throughout his time on the programme.
"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," he said.
He concluded: "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, bye bye."
Don replaced fellow TV gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, on the show at his predecessor's request in 2003, with previous television roles seeing him host shows such as Tomorrow's World, Holiday and a gardening segment on This Morning.
During his time on the programme, he guided viewers through everything from vegetable growing and garden design to wildlife gardening, often using the private Longmeadow as a living demonstration of seasonal gardening.
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Don confirmed he would remain part of the presenting line-up for next year's Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show, and will 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, and his final episode of Gardeners' World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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