TV gardening host Monty Don’s doggy co-star Nigel dies after sudden illness
TV gardening presenter Monty Don has announced his doggy co-star Nigel has died.
The face of Gardeners' World, the BBC horticultural show, shared a heartbreaking post as he said his "lovely" friend was "suddenly" taken and he laid his pup to rest in his garden.
He said on social media: “Right to the end he was happy, healthy and his usual calm, lovely self.
“He slipped quietly away with no pain or suffering and is buried in the garden with lots of tennis balls.
“Rest now old friend. See you in the sweet bye and bye.”
Nigel, who was 11, featured on BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World as he and fellow golden retriever Nellie followed Monty around.
He became so popular he even had his own Twitter account.
Monty has previously written about how Nigel upstaged him, saying: “He insinuates himself into every scene, edging me aside to become his straight man.”
Nigel's final resting place is in the garden at Monty's Herefordshire home next to those of pet dogs Beaufort, Red, Poppy and Barry - and cats Stimpy and Blue.
The star has made sure that each has their own headstone.
The writer and broadcaster, who once said he had dreamed of being a rock star, was brought up in Hampshire where he became an avid gardener and farmer.
Monty now lives in Ivington, Herefordshire, where he presents Gardeners' World from his own garden.
It was at Cambridge university where he met future wife, Sarah, who went on to train as a jeweller.
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The couple have three children, two sons Adam and Tom, and a daughter Freya.
He has gardened on television for more than years and starred on This Morning.
Other roles have included presenting Channel 4's Real Gardens and Fork to Fork.
He also wrote gardening columns for national newspapers.
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