The BBC has confirmed a schedule shake-up for the beloved series Gardeners' World, prompting a mix of relief and frustration among its dedicated fanbase. Due to extensive sporting coverage on BBC Two this week, the popular gardening programme has been temporarily relocated to another channel within the broadcaster's network.
Why the Change?
Typically broadcast on Friday evenings on BBC Two, Gardeners' World found itself displaced by the Snooker World Championship, which is scheduled to run from 7pm until 10pm on the same day. To avoid a clash, the BBC decided to move the show to BBC Four, ensuring it remains available to viewers.
Monty Don's Announcement
In a lighthearted Instagram video, the cast of Gardeners' World is seen getting up and moving out of shot, with the caption reading: "Hang on a minute? Where's my Gardeners' World? Where's everyone going?" Presenter Monty Don then appears to reassure fans, explaining the move to BBC Four. The post's caption adds: "Don't panic, we've not been snookered! Due to the snooker on Friday, 1 May, Gardeners' World has moved over to BBC Four at 9pm. Or watch on BBC iPlayer. See you there!"
Fan Reactions
The announcement sparked a flurry of comments on social media. Many viewers expressed relief that the programme would still air. One person wrote: "I will be there to watch!" Another commented: "At least it's not completely cancelled." A third added: "At last some common sense!!!! just move the program to another BBC channel, simple!!!!!!! Thanks, Monty." Someone else shared: "Thank goodness for that. Friday evening just isn't the same without it." However, international fans, particularly those in the Netherlands, voiced disappointment that they cannot access BBC Four in their country.
Technical Glitch During Snooker
Earlier this week, the BBC experienced a significant technical glitch during the Snooker World Championship semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize. The broadcast was interrupted for 12 minutes due to a power issue. When the coverage resumed, presenter Hazel Irvine apologised: "Welcome back to Sheffield and our apologies for the interruption to our evening at the Crucible in the second semi-final. We had a rather unexpected power issue. Nothing to do with not feeding the meter, I assure you! We lost power, but Mark Allen did not; he took frame three to get his semi-final campaign underway."
Gardeners' World will air on BBC Four on Friday, 1 May at 9pm, and is also available on BBC iPlayer.
