For many, Monty Don will forever be associated with the bucolic setting of Gardeners’ World , but the presenter has good reason for hanging up his shears.

Last month, Don confirmed that he would be departing the long-running BBC gardening programme after more than 20 years as its lead presenter – a role that has made the 71-year-old a national treasure to millions across the country.

Despite the outpouring of sadness and love from fans in the wake of his announcement, Don is not having any second thoughts about his decision.

In a new interview with Gardeners World Magazine , Don revealed the moment he knew it was right to leave the show.

He explained that the demands of the job go far beyond just filming. “The commute [to his garden at Longmeadow, where the show has been filmed since 2011] is delightfully short, but when I go home I take the job with me, seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” he said.

“Then, one day this summer, I woke up and knew it was time to stop. Simple as that.…