Introduction
Alan Titchmarsh has spent more than five decades earning his place as one of Britain’s most trusted and beloved broadcasters. From his early days as an apprentice gardener to becoming the face of Sunday morning television, his career continues into 2026 with new projects, a new home, and no signs of stepping back from the spotlight.
This article covers his career, his most notable shows, and what he’s been up to recently.
Who Is Alan Titchmarsh?
Alan Fred Titchmarsh is an English gardener, broadcaster, and author, widely regarded as one of the most recognizable and trusted figures in British horticulture and television. Since beginning his career as an apprentice gardener in the 1960s, he has built a career spanning gardening television, general entertainment broadcasting, and a substantial catalog of published books.
He currently hosts Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV, a Sunday morning talk show that has run since 2020.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alan Fred Titchmarsh |
| Profession | Gardener, Broadcaster, Author |
| Known For | Love Your Weekend, Ground Force, gardening broadcasting |
| Education | Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |
| Current Show | Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh (ITV) |
| Spouse | Alison Titchmarsh (married for over 50 years) |
Early Life and Horticultural Training
Alan Titchmarsh‘s career began with hands-on horticultural training rather than broadcasting. He worked as an apprentice gardener with the Parks Department in Ilkley from 1964 to 1968, before continuing his education at the Hertfordshire College of Agriculture and Horticulture, where he earned a National Certificate in Horticulture.
He went on to study at the prestigious Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, earning a Diploma in Horticulture, before later returning to Kew as a supervisor for staff training between 1972 and 1974. This deep, formal horticultural background has remained central to his public identity throughout his broadcasting career.
From Gardening Journalism to National Broadcaster
Early Publishing Career
Before becoming a television personality, Titchmarsh worked in gardening publishing, serving as assistant editor for gardening books at Hamlyn Publishing from 1974 to 1976, followed by a role as assistant editor and department editor at Amateur Gardening magazine from 1976 to 1979.
Building a Broadcasting Career
Titchmarsh transitioned into freelance writing and broadcasting in 1979, a career shift that would eventually make him one of the most recognizable voices in British gardening media. Over the following decades, he built an extensive presenting career, becoming closely associated with BBC gardening programming before expanding into general entertainment television.
Career Highlights Table
| Show | Role | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Amateur Gardening (magazine) | Assistant/Department Editor | 1976–1979 |
| Masterpiece with Alan Titchmarsh | Presenter | 2016 |
| Secrets of the National Trust | Presenter | 2017 |
| Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh | Presenter | 2020–present |
| Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club | Presenter | 2024 |
| Alan Titchmarsh’s Underdog to Superdog | Presenter | 2025 |
Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh
Since September 2020, Titchmarsh has hosted Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, a Sunday morning ITV talk show filmed at Manor Farm in Hampshire. The show celebrates British countryside life, craft, produce, and culture, welcoming a wide mix of celebrity guests each week.
By early 2026, the show had aired well over 190 episodes across eight seasons, cementing its place as a fixture of ITV’s Sunday morning schedule. Recent episodes have featured guests including Alan Davies, Michaela Strachan, Annabelle Apsion, Cliff Parisi, and stars from Call the Midwife, reflecting the show’s broad, family-friendly appeal.
Titchmarsh’s Wider Career and Written Work
Beyond his television presenting work, Alan Titchmarsh has built an extensive career as an author, publishing numerous gardening books, novels, and memoirs over the decades. His broadcasting credits also extend into narration work, including documentary series exploring British regions such as Dorset, Jersey and Guernsey, and the Isle of Wight.
His long list of presenting credits also includes historical and cultural programming, such as Titchmarsh on Capability Brown, reflecting his interest in horticultural history alongside his more mainstream broadcasting work.
Life Updates in 2026
Downsizing After 50 Years of Marriage
In June 2026, reports confirmed that Alan Titchmarsh and his wife, Alison, had sold their £3.95 million countryside home in Holybourne, Hampshire, a Grade II-listed property they had lived in for years. The couple, married for more than 50 years, had cited the upkeep of the sprawling property as their reason for downsizing.
The decision to sell reportedly coincided with local development plans for 160 new homes near the property, which drew hundreds of complaints from village residents. Following the sale, the Titchmarshes relocated to a £2.6 million five-bedroom home in Surrey.
Continued Television Presence
Despite the personal upheaval of moving homes, Titchmarsh has continued his busy broadcasting schedule into 2026, maintaining his weekly presence on Love Your Weekend while continuing to take on guest appearances across British television.
Why Alan Titchmarsh Remains a National Treasure
Several factors continue to define his lasting popularity in British media:
- Genuine horticultural expertise, built through years of formal training rather than just television personality status
- A remarkably long and consistent broadcasting career, spanning more than four decades
- A warm, approachable public image, reflected in the enduring popularity of Love Your Weekend
- Continued relevance, taking on new projects well into his late seventies
FAQs About Alan Titchmarsh
1. How old is Alan Titchmarsh? As of 2026, Alan Titchmarsh is 77 years old.
2. What show does Alan Titchmarsh currently host? He currently hosts Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, a Sunday morning ITV talk show filmed at Manor Farm in Hampshire.
3. Did Alan Titchmarsh train as a professional gardener? Yes, he trained extensively in horticulture, including studying at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, before transitioning into gardening journalism and broadcasting.
4. Did Alan Titchmarsh move house in 2026? Yes, he and his wife Alison sold their £3.95 million Hampshire home in 2026 and relocated to a five-bedroom property in Surrey.
5. How long has Alan Titchmarsh been married? He has been married to his wife, Alison, for more than 50 years.
Conclusion
Alan Titchmarsh’s career reflects a rare combination of genuine expertise and broad public appeal, built over more than five decades in horticulture, publishing, and broadcasting. From his early days as an apprentice gardener to his ongoing role hosting Love Your Weekend, he has remained a consistently trusted and beloved figure in British media.
As he continues to balance his broadcasting career with life updates like his recent move to Surrey, Alan Titchmarsh remains one of Britain’s most enduring and well-loved public figures.
