Monty Don Jokes About Gardening Rival on Have I Got News For You
Monty Don made his debut as host of Have I Got News For You on Friday, April 10, 2026. He used the slot to poke fun at fellow gardening figures, prompting loud audience laughter.
The joke and on-screen reaction
The clip, shared on the show’s accounts and Monty’s Instagram, showed him leading a segment. Team captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton joined guest comedian Chris McCausland.
During discussion of the Chelsea Flower Show, Merton suggested Alan Titchmarsh. Monty responded with a blunt retort, which drew immediate laughter.
Chelsea Flower Show exchange
The segment turned to the Chelsea Flower Show, scheduled for May. McCausland had joked that David Beckham and King Charles might appear with a garden concept.
Monty referenced coverage in national press and named a familiar TV gardener. He then joked about that gardening rival while smiling at the captains.
Related BBC Breakfast appearance
The Have I Got News For You episode followed Monty’s recent BBC Breakfast interview. He spoke with Jon Kay and Sally Nugent about the same Chelsea show.
Jon asked about the return of gnomes. Monty said gardening should welcome all tastes and called it a “broad church.”
Monty Don’s views on Chelsea and celebrity involvement
Monty noted he had worked on Chelsea Gardens the previous year. He described the event as a major operation and physically demanding.
He suggested celebrity involvement could be tiring. He added he would not take on the Chelsea project again.
Episode and series details
Have I Got News For You is in its 71st series this year. The programme marks 36 years of broadcasting and mixes satire with topical jokes.
The episode aired on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on April 10. Regular captains Ian Hislop and Paul Merton continue to anchor the teams.
Context and keywords
Monty Don’s appearance featured sharp comic lines and friendly ribbing. The moment saw Monty Don jokes about gardening rival on Have I Got News For You become a talking point online.
- Host: Monty Don, age 70.
- Show: Have I Got News For You, series 71.
- Guests: Ian Hislop, Paul Merton, Chris McCausland.
- Topic: Chelsea Flower Show, scheduled for May.
- Broadcast: Friday, April 10, 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Filmogaz.com covered the clip and highlights from the episode. The exchange added a light, competitive edge to Monty’s first night as host.
