Gardeners' World star Monty Don stunned fans as he appeared in a brand new role on the BBC. The satirical programme, Have I Got News For You, returned to our screens for its 71st series, marking 36 years on air, as Monty guest presented episode two of the new series on Friday, April 10.

It represented his debut appearance on the programme. The enduring current affairs quiz show delivers entertaining commentary and scripted humour, spanning from the satirical to the absurd. Each week, team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton are accompanied by prominent figures to present alongside guest panellists, who mine comedy from the week's principal headlines. During one segment, Monty was conversing with the presenters and guest Chris McCausland about the approaching Chelsea Flower Show. The television gardener enquired what they believed would be generating excitement at the world-famous horticultural event, which occurs in May, when comedian and former Strictly champion McCausland proposed that he reckons David Beckham and King Charles will be constructing a garden.

"You're absolutely right, David Beckham is designing a garden with King Charles... and according to The Telegraph, providing expertise for the garden is... YES! You've guessed it, it's TV's top gardener, national treasure, all round good egg..." Monty started.

"Alan Titchmarsh?" Merton interrupted. "Yes... the bastard," Monty joked as laughter erupted.

Fans were in stitches over the iconic moment as they are not used to Monty using language that should only be heard post- watershed.

Taking to X/Twitter, one fan laughed: "MONTY DON!!!!! LANGUAGE!!! I'm surprised at you!!!!!! This is just plain weird... #HIGNFY #GardenersWorld."

Another said: "Absolutely *loved* Monty Don on #HIGNFY - inspired choice and he was just delightful, I laughed so much!"

Someone else added: "Have to admit that this is the funniest episode of Have I Got News for You in a long, long time. #HIGNFY"

However, others noted that Monty seemed to be struggling with the autocue. One person wrote: "They need to enlarge the font of the autocue text so Monty can avoid the zombie look .. #HIGNFY."

Someone else echoed: "Don't really think Monty was a great choice of host. Seemed to find the autocue difficult and to be a bit out of his depth #hignfy."