Monty Don has given his first update since announcing he would be quitting Gardeners’ World after more than 20 years.

On Tuesday, 8 September, the BBC announced that the 71-year-old would be leaving at the end of the current series.

Don, who is the programme’s longest-serving head gardener, said that the show had been a “deeply rewarding experience” but believed that “now is the right time for a change”.

In his first social media post since the bombshell announcement, Don posted a photo of a sunrise over his Herefordshire garden with the simple caption “morning”.

The 71-year-old shares daily photos every morning of the sky, his garden and his golden retriever Ned.

Fans flocked to the comments to wish Don a happy morning in return, and to also wish him luck in his future endeavours.

“I hope you will continue to post on Instagram Monty- after your deserved retirement from GW,” said one, whilst another added: “You deserve your retirement to have time to sit and ponder! I hope you will still pop up on our screens from time to time.”

“Good luck to you and thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion with us all AND your gorgeous dogs! Has been such a privilege,” said a third.

First joining the programme in 2003, Monty has gone on to inspire and guide millions of viewers with his warmth, wisdom and passion for gardening.

He began presenting the BBC show at Berryfields, a rented garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, before moving to his own garden, Longmeadow in Herefordshire.

"Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience.

"That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.

“I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change,” he said.

"And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow."