Monty Don to return to Gardener's World

TV presenter Monty Don is making a surprise return to BBC2 series Gardener's World after a two-year absence.

Mr Don, who lives near the south Shropshire border, left the show suddenly in May 2008 after suffering a minor stroke.

But he will make his return after BBC bosses axed his replacement Toby Buckland after three series.

The show will return to Mr Don's garden at his Herefordshire home and former presenter Rachel De Thame and regulars Carol Klein and Joe Swift will also return. As well as Mr Buckland, Alys Fowler is also leaving the show.

Producers announced a back to basics approach last year after a series of changes designed to appeal to casual gardeners alienated more traditional viewers.

He has spent two decades developing the extensive garden around his home near Leominster.

It will be the first time in more than a decade that it has been featured on screen and viewers will be able to watch it evolve at the same time as their own gardens.

Mr Don, who has also hosted Around The World In 80 Gardens and Mastercrafts for BBC2, first joined the show in 2003 replacing Alan Titchmarsh.

He said: "I've really missed the programme so I can't wait to get stuck in and get my hands dirty again."

BBC commissioning editor Alison Kirkham said: "I'm delighted to welcome Monty back and I really look forward to seeing him sharing his expertise in his own environment."