I agree with previous posters who feel it's time the show had a WOMAN at the helm instead of another middle aged man. Not Carol Klein, no she wouldn't be my first choice - she's a tad long in the tooth career-wise and her exaggerated enthusiasm comes across as a sickly in anything other than small doses. I'm sure she's a lovely person and highly competent so no insult intended, I just wouldn't choose her for the presenter's job.
Me - I'd have chosen Alice. For someone who has been on TV for such a short time, she comes across as incredibly relaxed and natural in front of the cameras, has a warm personality, is clearly knowlegable and hard-working, easy to follow and understand (she has a natural sense of pacing) and most of all I already feel I grasp something about her values and who she is as a person. It's the same thing I loved about Monty - that what-you-see-is-what-you-get personality. Unlike some previous posters, I actually loved Monty from day one and completely endorsed GW's choice in making him head presenter. I don't get this same warm feeling from Toby. I find the way he talks somewhat plodding and irritating, even awkward. I don't get that real gut-deep feeling of enthusiasm from him. I just don't warm to him in any way - although again I am sure he is a perfectly nice man and a knowlegable gardener. Frankly, the choice of Toby as presenter has turned me off GW. If it weren't for Alice I would probably stop viewing GW as "appointment TV". I really hope they aren't going to scale down her role now a new permanent selection has been made. Disappointing. Come on BBC, where are your "cojones"?!
I've been reading the majority of posts, shaking my head. How many dummies are being thrown out of the pram? Then comes along the following post ... jings crivens ... some sense finally! "I agree that Carol has been nothing short of fantastic whilst holding the fort at GW but maybe she chose to take herself out of the running. Before Monty left she was spending more time in Devon and who could blame her with such a beautiful home and garden. So, without the facts, lets not be so critical. Lets give Toby a chance. He is enthusiastic and personable and I believe he will do a marvellous job."
I have to say I have read all other comments and agree and disagree with some of them. However, I was hoping that Carol, Joe and Alys would continue as they have been doing since Monty left. Why did GW need another presenter? Of course as has been said perhaps they did not wish the commitment and it would be nice if we knew if this was the case. I am not familiar with Toby as a presenter other than the few times he did GW so I will keep an open mind but I really would have liked it to continue as it was. I never tire of Carol's enthusiasm, its really infectious and did Joe really cultivate his allotment all my himself?!!
Having watched GW for many years I have longed for a presenter of Geoff Hamilton's calibre to come along. A mixture of enthusiastic horticultural knowledge and a keen eye for saving a penny or two with his diy projects. Since his death however I have enjoyed watching Alan Titchmarsh and Monty Don do sterling work as presenters each with their own style. I agree that Carol would have been a natural choice but as mentioned by other people she may not have been available to do the job. I have seen Toby on many gardening programmes and find him down to earth, knowledgable and he has some great ideas with regard to creativity in the garden on a budget. I feel a new era coming for GW with Toby at the helm and wish him good luck. Please can GW return back to basics and yes avoid the fancy camera angles and too close close-ups.
Well done Toby,we look forward to seeing you. The whole team have done a great job and we have enjoyed seeing a different GW. Onwards and upwards and all the best to Monty.
Whilst I think Carol is a very knowledgable gardener it drives me mad when she gets too OTT and talks as though she is going to get a fit of the giggles. When she is talking to people rather than the camera she doesn't do it as bad. Is it nerves? I like Joe and enjoy the fact that even an established gardener has always got something to learn. Toby is another good quality gardener. A leading presenter? Only time will tell.
I thought Carol Klein was the person for the job, she came second in a pole in Amatuer Gardener, she is funny and amusing and very informative and loads of other wonderful things as well.
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Me - I'd have chosen Alice. For someone who has been on TV for such a short time, she comes across as incredibly relaxed and natural in front of the cameras, has a warm personality, is clearly knowlegable and hard-working, easy to follow and understand (she has a natural sense of pacing) and most of all I already feel I grasp something about her values and who she is as a person. It's the same thing I loved about Monty - that what-you-see-is-what-you-get personality. Unlike some previous posters, I actually loved Monty from day one and completely endorsed GW's choice in making him head presenter. I don't get this same warm feeling from Toby. I find the way he talks somewhat plodding and irritating, even awkward. I don't get that real gut-deep feeling of enthusiasm from him. I just don't warm to him in any way - although again I am sure he is a perfectly nice man and a knowlegable gardener. Frankly, the choice of Toby as presenter has turned me off GW. If it weren't for Alice I would probably stop viewing GW as "appointment TV". I really hope they aren't going to scale down her role now a new permanent selection has been made. Disappointing. Come on BBC, where are your "cojones"?!
I hope Alys continues to get a spot - she is good.