Where has Monty gone?

[seasprout]

Here is a copy of a message Monty posted on the BBC Boards..
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"Message 7 - posted by real_monty (U7742669) , 6 Hours Ago

Thanks everyone for the kind remarks and concern.

I was unwell throughout February and March, tried to keep working through it but couldn't seem to shake it off so have taken medical advice to have a rest for a few weeks. Given that I haven't had a holiday of any kind for nearly 3 years of working flat out 7 days a week, my restorative energies were exhausted. But I fully expect to be back fit and raring to go in a few weeks time after a thorough rest.

The timing is not great but am already starting to feel better and clearly the programme is in excellent hands in my absence.

Monty

(For the record, I have never taken time off before from the programme save a couple of weeks when I was abroad, filming 80 gardens. In fact have only missed 2 days work through ill health in my entire life!) "

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So there you are.

[piskieinboots]

awwww

bless his cottons - get well soon Monty

[janeyo]

I've just watched GW from last night (some of it on fast forward, not a big cacti fan and don't really like looking at bugs either, give me nightmares!), and thought JS was much improved! He actually looked like he enjoyed it this week and the other allotment guy -Ken? he really should have his own slot every week, priceless!

Good news that all the spare lotties have been filled too. Ans thought it was v funny when JS said to his wife, 'you know how to dig a hole don't you?' Bit like me in the garden with OH ' you do know what a weed is don't you?' lol

I also enjoyed watching G Hamilton with the asparagus, made me realise that mine have no chance! They certainly didn't look like that when I put them in Does anyone remember that prog from 12 years ago? I would have been 21 and living in France at uni and gardens and veggies the LAST thing on my mind!

janeyo

edited to say get well soon Monty, I miss his dulcet tones, Carol doesn't do it for me like he does

[donedigging]

Dito -Get well soon Monty

[ClayGarden]

I'd wondered what happened to the guy. Anyway from bloke to bloke, good luck and get well anyway. You still inspire the 30yo gardener

[Alison]

Hear hear! That is my main complaint about GW since Alan left...the whole idea that the presenter has a 'Head Gardener' and then lectures the rest of us...I know AT and Geoff Hamilton probably had staff to help keep up with their big gardens but at least they had the humility to cater for us ordinary mortals!

Must say though that watching last nights programme I had the distinct feeling that Monty was seriously ill - there seemed to be a lot of references to what he had planned to do...as much as I dislike him as a presenter, I do hope he recovers quickly.

Well said, it's what I've been feeling for the last couple of series and why I've stopped watching on the whole. Saw the one where JS got his lottie but wasn't impressed enough to watch since.

[mrs dog]

Yes I read that article to in the Mail. I think that as always a remark has been taken out of context and used to belittle Monty (this time) Ther is too much of this character assasination nowadays. I agree with piskie that Joe did very well. I hope the fresh gojis are better than the dried ones cos I don't like them at all.

[Winged one]

I missed it Friday night (in pub - celebrating thesis handed in!!) but while I had been a bit sceptical of certain aspects of JS's lottie at the start (I think the record here will prove ambivalence so quite true to life of the last few weeks - everything is either great or terrible, when normally I am a bit more measured, sorry) I think he is trying hard with it.

I hope Monty does get a good rest - there is nothing worse than needing it and not taking the time needed and only getting progressively more shattered (and I've only seen it from a general energy perspective - not having underlying illness to battle too).

I am looking forward to seeing JS's progress through out the summer, and seeing if he gets as bitten by the bug as everyone else is here.

[Headfry]

Monty, if you visit our site.....
I do hope you are well soon, 'over load' is sneaky, lets it's self in the back door without you knowing!
get well my friend, and see you when you are up to it!
Your fork to fork is a fab book for inspiration....more please!
Sue

[moggssue]

I only dip in and out of GW these days, and like others am a fan of Geoff - but do get well soon Monty and come back to our screens!