Monty Don shares behind-the-scenes secrets of Gardeners’ World – and why he always wears his signature scarf
GARDENERS’ World star Monty Don has revealed some of the programme’s behind-the-scenes secrets.
The horticulturist, 69, has presented the BBC show since 2003.
Speaking to Nikki Chapman on the Gardeners’ World podcast, Monty shared what impacts his on-screen clothing choices.
He said: “You may have noticed that I’m wearing blue. It’s for continuity.
“When I pack my bags tomorrow afternoon to go to Scotland, I will pack six identical shirts, I will pack two or three identical trousers and 14 pairs of identical socks.
Continuing, Monty revealed the reason why he wears a signature scarf while filming.
The presenter shared: “We film out of sequence, that’s the reason I always wear a scarf when filming.
“If you see me in a crowd, even if I get the other things a bit wrong, if I’ve got the scarf the same, you overlook the face the shirt might have a collar or not have a collar, or might be a different shade of blue.
“It was a trick that someone told me about 20 odd years ago.
“If you have a hat, a bag or a scarf, that’s what people notice.”
Monty explained how anecdotes from his brother – a policeman – about taking witness statements also factored into his thinking.
He added: “You could ask three or four people about one person, they’d all say they had different coloured hair. They’d say they had different… anything.
“They’d always notice the red bag, or the hat, or something very distinctive. So, that’s why I do that.”
This admission comes as Monty previously revealed he has a secret tactic to evade overly eager fans at crowded events.
Although grateful for his devoted fan base, he said their enthusiasm can sometimes make public appearances a little overwhelming.
Speaking on the Gardeners’ World podcast, the host shared: “I’ll let you into a secret. I have a guy who is always with me.
The rise and rise of Monty Don
SINCE bursting onto our TV screens in Gardeners' World in the early noughties, Monty Don has been a much-loved star.
Before finding fame on TV, and together with his wife Sarah, Monty set up a lucrative jewellery business in the early 80s.
Monty then joined the popular BBC show as presenter in 2003, taking over from the out going Alan Titchmarsh, and has been there ever since.
Every since he burst onto the scene, he has become a familiar face on the box.
Away from Gardeners’ World he is also known for Monty Don’s Italian Gardens, as well as the French, American and Japanese versions of the show.
Monty also hosted The Secret History of the British Garden
“And we always have a code word which basically means ‘get me out of here now’.
“And that code word is: ‘What time do we have to be there?'”
As a result, the subtle phrase allows Monty to make a quick exit without causing a scene.
He added: “So if you’re ever in Chelsea (the Chelsea Flower Show) and I suddenly turn away from you and say ‘what time do I have to be there’. I will suddenly be whisked away.”