Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don has spoken candidly about his health and body changes at age 70, including his double knee replacement surgery and how ageing has affected his shape
Monty Don stands as one of Britain’s most recognisable television personalities, having delighted audiences for decades with his expert horticultural guidance on Gardeners’ World.
The beloved presenter has shepherded viewers’ gardens through every season and its accompanying obstacles, offering invaluable advice on achieving stunning outdoor spaces.
Yet recently, the gardening guru has become increasingly candid about his personal wellbeing and the realities of ageing.
During one particular interview, when questioned about garments he’s reluctant to discard despite no longer wearing them, Monty’s response revealed a striking contrast between his younger self and his current 70-year-old physique.
In conversation with The Times, he confessed to having “always loved good cut and fabrics” to such a degree that he simply couldn’t “throw away a beautiful jacket or a well-cut shirt”.
The presenter elaborated: “I have Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto clothes from the Eighties that I haven’t worn for 30 years. Would I wear them now? The brutal truth is that, at 70, I’m not quite the same shape as when I was 20. I have to suck my tummy in and hold my breath.”
This marks not the first occasion the Gardeners’ World host has addressed bodily transformations throughout his life. Writing in his BBC Gardeners’ World magazine column, Monty disclosed he’d been wrestling with a knee complaint for numerous years, reports the Express.
The television favourite acknowledged he’d previously consulted his GP regarding these issues, confessed to disregarding the medical guidance provided, and eventually required a double knee replacement procedure.
He revealed: “I remember going to my doctor when I first had knee trouble and he commented drilly that knees were appallingly badly designed and that was the end of it. He prescribed painkillers and told me to stop digging. I ignored both aspects of the prescription.
“Last summer I finally got round to having scans and seeing a surgeon and was duly told both my knees needed replacing. This was a bit of a surprise as I had been working on the assumption that I had one good knee and one bad knee.”
After undergoing surgery, Monty explained he’d regained greater mobility and, much like his treasured Land Rover Defender, hoped to continue for several more years yet.
He remarked: “The important thing…is that I shall be able to do things again, to get stuck in and crack on….with a fair wind and thanks to superb surgical skills, I should, like my beaten-up old Defender, keep ploughing on a bit longer.”
In recent months, rumours have circulated regarding potential successors when Monty eventually decides to step away from his gardening duties.
Yet, discussing his tenure on the programme last year, Monty stated: “I’d be very happy to do another five years. If the BBC renew my contract, I’d happily take it.”
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