I have nothing against Toby Buckland - I have never actually seen him present anything. My problem is this - Carol Klein has been presenting the programme since Monty left, and what a fine job she is making of it. I have read that the BBC followed a lengthy and detailed process of recruitment including audience research - as one of the audience I am unaware of any research. Anyone out there been asked?
I believe the BBC has made a big mistake not asking the enthusiastic and inspirational Carol Klein to be the new head of GW. Reading the comments above and press, the message is clear, the BBC have made a mistake. Its the sign of a mature organisation to admit they've made a mistake...listen to your viewers!
Even though I have not seen much of Toby on the TV gardening programmes I do wish him luck. I think that all of the presenters that have been a part of gardeners world over the years should all have equal time to show their own skills in gardening and showing good practice. Why is there a need to one person over another.
Lets see how this works out. Personally I dislike the over-stressed delivery of Carol Klein. Perhaps Alys could have a bigger role, she presents clearly and gives a feeling of imparting reliable information.
Well done Toby, whoever you are for securing the head gardeners job, but I hope that the BBC will not go back to the boring camera angles that make the programme look like a 1970's school science programme. I love the way that the BBc have been back and forth giving each presenter a specialist area that they can develop, Joe is great at the allotment, as it shows that anyone can learn something new, so all those allotment holders out there (yes I am one too!) give him a chance, don't expect him to learn all there is to know about growing veggies in one season.
I look forward to seeing how Gardeners World will be, with Toby at the helm. Carol, Joe and Alys worked well as a team,and I did enjoy their format, so only time will tell! Also, please don't banish Alys, as I love her refreshing,informative approach to the programme.
I hope that Monty is making a good recovery, he is a big miss! I am really disappointed that the wonderful and inspirational Carol Klein was not even invited for the appointment as head presenter she makes the programme and the BBC have been remiss in their protocol. I thought sexism and ageism was being erradicated seems not, why doesn't poor Alys get mentioned in the credits?
Carol Klein was the obvious choice for presenter but I wish Toby well. It is about time a female presented the programe, apart from the fact that Carol has a passion that hasn't been seen since the great Geoff Hamilton
So sorry to hear Carol did not get the top job at Gardeners' World but according to the Daily Telegraphs comments on 23/8/08 she was not even considerered for the post, which I think she would have liked. I am not sure that Toby Buckland is the right person. The first I heard of him was when he appeared recently on the programme and was not very impressed with his woodland garden. Women are just as interested in gardening and a women presenter would have made a refreshing change, after all she came of the subs bench to step in with Joe Swift when Monty left. She has also had award winning gardens at Chelsea, credentials enough I would say.
Give the man a chance! I can't say I was especially pleased when Monty was chosen initially, but warmed to him over time and the same may be true of any other new presenter.
One thing I do look forward to is the return of practical diy ideas, if Toby's fantastic recycled building at Gardener's World Live is anything to go by. It would be nice to get some new Heath Robinson/Geoff Hamilton creations on screen, rather than just seeing people put plants into holes they've dug.
I hope he brings a new slant to the programme and injects some changes into the format. Less design, more gardening please!
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One thing I do look forward to is the return of practical diy ideas, if Toby's fantastic recycled building at Gardener's World Live is anything to go by. It would be nice to get some new Heath Robinson/Geoff Hamilton creations on screen, rather than just seeing people put plants into holes they've dug.
I hope he brings a new slant to the programme and injects some changes into the format. Less design, more gardening please!