Alan Titchmarsh, 75, reveals sweary four-word response to offer from ITV bosses
Alan Titchmarsh, the beloved British gardening expert, has revealed his sweary response following repeated attempts to get him to appear on reality TV.
The 75-year-old Yorkshireman recounted the memorable exchange with his agent on behalf of bosses at ITV when he was in his late 60’s.
The veteran broadcaster admitted he regularly has to decline invitations to participate in Strictly Come Dancing and other reality TV programmes.
“I remember receiving the call from my agent,” Titchmarsh recounted, excusing his response by adding: “I seldom use profanity, but I felt this occasion warranted it.”
His agent had called on behalf of ITV with the offer for him to appear on Dancing on Ice.
“Dancing on Ice? I’m sixty-f***ing-eight!”, Titchmarsh exclaimed.
Titchmarsh’s frank response encapsulated the no-nonsense approach that he credited with endearing him to British audiences over the decades.
Starting from humble beginnings as a plumber’s son, Titchmarsh’s told The Times about his career – including the sweary phone call.
“I’m a plumber’s son who left school with one O-level, in art,” he shared candidly.
His career began as an apprentice gardener with Ilkley Council, a far cry from his current status as one of Britain’s most recognised television personalities.
“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,” Titchmarsh reflected.
The 75-year-old’s remarkable journey has led him to the highest circles of British society, including a warm relationship with the Royal Family.
“I’m fortunate enough to be on friendly terms with King Charles and Queen Camilla – they’re wonderful company,” he told The Times.
Titchmarsh also spoke warmly about his wife’s patience with his professional passion: “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.”
The couple have raised two daughters who now have children of their own.
Inspired by his wife’s patience, the veteran broadcaster also advocated for greater tolerance in modern society, believing in the importance of “exposing yourself to different views”.
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“That’s what really upsets me about places like Oxford and Cambridge, the supposed pinnacle of educational acumen,” Titchmarsh explained.
He asked: “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?”
