Monty Don – the long-running host of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World – previously opened up about his troubled childhood.
The TV star, 70, described his upbringing as “severe” and “difficult” during a candid interview back in 2023.
Gardeners’ World star Monty Don on ‘difficult’ upbringing
During his interview with The Guardian in November 2023, Monty spoke of his childhood.
The star explained that his parents had been distant and had sent him off to boarding school when he was seven.
“In many ways, it was very privileged – home counties, middle class – and tough in lots of ways, and that could have [bleep]ed me up. Some people would say it did,” he told the publication.
When it was pointed out that his life now looks wonderful, Monty confessed it was down to two reasons.
‘I definitely would have ended up in prison’
“Two things happened. First, by being the black sheep in my family, I always felt able to escape it … Second, I was lucky enough – it’s really basic – to meet somebody that I completely fell in love with when I was young and we became the team,” he explained.
Monty then continued.
“I went from a life that was complicated and difficult, and I was troubled. I was a difficult person. In a different environment, I definitely would have ended up in prison,” he then confessed.
At 70, Monty is now older than both of his parents when they died.
He has been married to wife since 1983. They share three grown-up children – Adam, Freya and Tom.
Gardeners’ World usually airs Fridays at 8pm on BBC Two. It’s repeated some weekday mornings at 7.30am on the channel. Catch up on iPlayer if you’ve missed an episode.
Read more: Monty Don on ‘ongoing’ battle with depression as he addresses leaving Gardeners’ World
So what do you think of this story? Then tell us on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.