As one of the nation's favourite horticulturists, Monty Don, has helped BBC viewers embrace gardening with his slow-paced and intriguing programme, Gardeners' World. The 70-year-old first fronted the series in 2003, and after five years, Monty handed the rakes over to Tony Buckland before making his eagerly awaited comeback in 2011. Alongside his dogs, Ned and Patti, the much-loved presenter has since continued to make his weekly return to screens with fresh ideas and tips for his green-fingered fans.

However, in a recent interview, Monty was forced to backtrack on a brow-raising statement previously made about his future on Gardeners' World. Before turning 70, the TV star opened up about the prospects of retiring from the BBC programme. Speaking to Times Radio, Monty admitted that eventually stepping away from the show would be "the logical thing to do."As he remarked: "The serious point is I will be 70 in two years' time."

At the time, the presenter continued: "I want to go on. I like making television programmes. I like writing books. To have the energy to do that and not always feel like I'm scrabbling."

Monty added that if he ever had to give up one of his commitments, it wouldn't be his writing or "the travel stuff," which he loves. "So therefore the logical thing to give up is Gardeners' World, which is, for all its virtues, a remorseless treadmill," he explained.

However, following an outcry of backlash from viewers, he has since retracted his statement and assured fans that he is staying put.

Reflecting on the comments, Monty admitted: "I got a bit of stick for that. I said it at the end of a very long year, and I was exhausted. I can't go on forever.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he added: "But I'd be very happy to do another five years. If the BBC renew my contract, I'd happily take it."

Thankfully for fans, earlier this year Monty had agreed to continue presenting Gardeners' World for at least two more years.

Monty revealed that he has already considered who he would like to take over whenever he steps down from his role.

The 70-year-old told The Guardian: "I would like to think the next Gardeners' World presenter ideally would be female, would represent either singly or in multiplicity the diversity in this country, and have at least some urban context.

"The world's changing; we need to change with it. In many ways, it's likely I'm the last middle-aged, middle-class white male with a large garden doing Gardeners' World, which is fine."