Who do you think should be and/or will be the next presenter of Gardener's World? The BBC are very likely to appoint a woman for the first time, but which one?
Here's who's had the job thus far:
Ken Burras (1968–1969) [13]
Percy Thrower (1969–1976)
Arthur Billitt (1976–1979)
Geoff Hamilton (1979–1996)
Geoffrey Smith (1980–1982)
Alan Titchmarsh (1996–2002)
Monty Don (2003–2008)
Toby Buckland (2008–2010)
Monty Don (2011 –)
I would like to see Sarah Raven present it but she's probably too busy. The programme needs a complete overhaul as it looks very tired and dare I say it, boring. They show too much of Monte Don pushing his wheelbarrow and the dogs.
Sadly the BBC will probably appoint a woman - not because a woman is necessarily the best person for the job, which is the correct criteria for appointment, but because the BBC is still relentlessly pushing it's absurd 'equality' nonsense, refusing to learn the lessons shown to it with the dog's breakfast that is its Radio Two schedule these days.
Andy //the dog's breakfast that is its Radio Two schedule these days.//
Couldn't agree more about R2.
It's getting more and more ridiculous at the BBC.
I don't watch GW but I'd be willing to bet that the person appointed isn't as knowledgeable on the subject as at least one other candidate but probably is the correct sex and has more screen charisma.
OK, you can stop right there, because with those three words you have instantly diverted from the main reason how and why the BBC appoints its presenters - it starts with gender, and goes on (and downwards!) from there.
We may find Anita Rani is plumped for as a perfect fit. She's whooshed up the ranks picking up all the requisite BBC essential mini skills and can fake sincere interest with the best of them.