He's graced our screens on a variety of TV shows, from Gardeners' World to Songs of Praise, but Alan Titchmarsh isn't exactly enamoured with contemporary television. He recounted the time he was asked to participate in a certain celebrity dance competition and didn't mince his words.
The 75-year-old Yorkshireman revealed to The Times that he declines invitations to Strictly Come Dancing "most years," and added: "Some years ago I was asked to go on Dancing on Ice.
"I remember receiving the call from my agent. I seldom use profanity, but I felt this occasion warranted it: 'Dancing on Ice? I'm sixty-f***ing-eight!'"
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(Image: Getty))Reflecting on his journey, he says he's come a long way from his initial role as an apprentice gardener with Ilkley Council: "I'm a plumber's son who left school with one O-level, in art," he shares.
"Nothing was ever handed to me on a plate. There are days when I find it hard to comprehend how that plumber's son ended up where he is today. Fortunate enough to be on friendly terms with King Charles and Queen Camilla - they're wonderful company," reports the Express.
Alan also mentions his strong bond with his wife: "I married someone who is very tolerant of how much I talk about gardening. I'm sure it drives her insane, but she never lets it show," he jokes.
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(Image: Getty))Alan tied the knot with his wife Alison in 1975, and they have two daughters who now have children of their own.
Alan elaborated on Alison's patience, stating that he strongly believes in tolerance a virtue he feels is lacking in today's society: "Exposing yourself to different views - obviously, I'm not talking about things like out-and-out racism - is part of life.
"That's what really upsets me about places like Oxford and Cambridge, the supposed pinnacle of educational acumen, this 'non-platforming' of people whose views don't align 100 per cent with yours. How on earth are you supposed to work out what you believe?"
English (US) ·