, 69, has opened up about the challenging times he and his wife Sarah faced during the economic crash of the 1980s, a period marked by Monty's battle with severe depression. The duo met as English students at Cambridge University, where Monty encountered Sarah (nee Erskine), a skilled architect and jewellery designer. They set out on a high-flying business journey, establishing an upscale jewellery enterprise in Knightsbridge with a client list that boasted and

However, their prosperous path plummeted during the financial nosedive of the '80s. In a heartfelt recollection to The Times, Monty divulged their heavy losses: "We lost everything... we lost our house, our business. We sold every stick of furniture we had at Leominster market."

The failure and subsequent bankruptcy of their business dealt Monty a devastating blow, prompting Sarah to push for professional help. Their children innocently asked Sarah, "Why is daddy always crying?"

Monty revealed further: "She said you have to see a doctor because I can't cope with you and three small children and our life as it is. I need help and the only way I can get help is for you to get help."

Monty went on to praise antidepressants for their initial support and commended the NHS-provided cognitive behavioural therapy which he credits as beneficial to his recovery.

In 2008, after suffering a stroke, Monty poured out his heart to Sarah, expressing a poignant wish to die in her embrace. He revealed to his wife: "Hold me because I think I'm dying and, if I am, I want to die in your arms."

Following the devastating health scare, Monty was forced to take an extended break of three years from his role on Gardeners' World to focus on his recovery.

However, it was only after seeking the advice of a neurologist, recommended by Sarah's father who is a retired doctor, that Monty's minor stroke came to light.

Renowned for taking over the helm of Gardeners' World from Alan Titchmarsh in 2003, he has since become an integral part of the show. Monty first charmed the nation way back in 1989 with his gardening insights on ITV's , paving the way for numerous television ventures and leading to his own programmes on BBC and Channel 4 over the years.

Concurrent with his television success, Monty embarked on a prolific writing career, producing his inaugural book in 1990 and amassing over 25 published titles.

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