Sophie Raworth, Monty Don, Joe Swift, Angellica Bell and Nicki Chapman will all appear on air across eight days of broadcasts on BBC One and BBC Two as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns to television screens.
The nation’s favourite gardening social event of the year is returning to BBC One and BBC Two from Sunday 19 May at 6:15pm (BBC One). This year’s themes are: the greenest Chelsea ever, proving that great design and sustainability can go hand in hand, using water wisely, the joy of gardens and how to attract a younger, more diverse audience to gardening.
Monty Don says: “I’m honoured to have been asked back to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I look forward to chatting to members of the public about their green spaces and giving tips to transform their outdoor areas.”
Nicki Chapman says: “Being part of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show team has to be the jewel in my presenting calendar. A glorious week showcasing some of the most beautifully designed gardens you will ever see, demonstrating how we can all garden at home, whether it’s houseplants to window boxes, courtyards to back-gardens, allotments to containers. Some of the finest plants-people and nurseries will be sharing their passion for plants and we’ll have plenty of take home advice on sustainability, water management, looking after our planet whilst enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature.”
Angellica Bell says: “It’s great to be back at Chelsea! I’m looking forward to presenting the best tips and tricks, learning from our experts and seeing the gardens in all their glory, I hope we get some glorious weather so everyone at home can really take in the atmosphere of the gardening world’s hottest ticket!”
Mary Berry, JJ Chalmers and Chris Bavin are also back this year. We’ll be hearing from our favourite gardening experts including Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Arit Anderson, Nick Bailey, Carol Klein, Rachel de Thame, Toby Buckland, James Wong, Mark Lane and Sue Kent.
Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell will front the daytime coverage, which will be packed with practical take-home tips and advice on how to make the most of your garden, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener. Our presenters will also be looking at the overarching theme of gardening going mainstream, breaking down the barriers to gardening, understanding our changing gardens and feeling good in your garden.
This year’s TV schedule will feature special daily programming straight from the showground, with live commentary and take-home advice from the team of experts as they share the latest designs and planting innovations in the horticultural world as well as money saving tips to get the best from your gardens.
The programming includes:
- Sunday 19 May, BBC One - A 60 minute launch programme presented by Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift from 6:15pm
- Monday 20 - Friday 24 May, BBC One - 60 minutes a day presented by Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell from 3.45pm
- Monday 20 – Friday 24 May, BBC Two - 60 minutes a day presented by Monty Don and Joe Swift from 8pm
- Wednesday 22 May and Friday 24 May, BBC One – Two 30 minute programmes featuring the BBC RHS People’s Choice Award. Starting at 7pm on Wednesday and 7.30pm on Friday
- Saturday 25 May, BBC Two - A 60 minute highlights show presented by Monty Don and Joe Swift from 8pm
- Sunday 26 May, BBC One - Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift look back on the highlights of the week in a 60 minute programme from 6pm
Due to popular demand, Ask Monty & Joe returns, where viewers are able to ask the duo gardening questions, from general advice, to tackling troubles they’re facing in their garden. We’ll also be featuring exclusive interviews with famous faces visiting the show with a passion for gardening and also capturing the excitement of the annual visit by the Royal Family.
On Wednesday 22 May at 7pm Sophie and Joe will launch the BBC RHS People’s Choice Award on BBC One, with the winner being announced on Friday’s programme at 7.30pm.
There will also be some special programming featured on The One Show as Alex Jones and Jermaine Jenas visit the show for some of its best highlights and to reveal the winner of the first Pocket Garden Makeover Prize, a new collaboration between The One Show and The RHS that builds on the success of their Growing Together Award for Community Gardening by providing a green oasis by garden designer Chris Hull for someone who really needs it but who only has access to a balcony or small outdoor space.
Catherine Catton, Head of BBC Factual Entertainment & Events, says: “The best week in the gardening calendar is upon us! It’s great to be working with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for another year alongside a superb group of presenters. We look forward to focusing on the joys of gardening and providing practical tips for your own garden.”
Lindsay Bradbury, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime comments: “The Chelsea Flower Show programming is a real treat for audiences which comes around every year, and this year will be full of helpful tips, colour and sunshine if we’re lucky! The themes this year are inclusive to all, encouraging everyone to enjoy and adapt to their outdoor space, whether it’s a balcony or a small space, there’s something for everyone. Our coverage will maintain a focus on money-saving tips, feeling good in our gardens and championing sustainability.”
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show programming was commissioned for the BBC by Catherine Catton, Head of Factual Entertainment & Events, Patrick McMahon is the Commissioning Editor for Factual and Lindsay Bradbury, is the Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime and Early Peak. The Executive Producer is Gary Broadhurst for BBC Studios.
PD