Frances Tophill gives advice on growing a Prima Donna hop plant

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Frances Tophill, 32, has spoken on if audiences can expect to see her lighting up the ballroom on Strictly Come Dancing in the near future. The horticulturist is a beloved co-host of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World and has discussed her future away from the programme.

It’s quite nice

Frances Tophill

Speaking on whether she could appear in Strictly, in respect to working as a freelancer across multiple channels including ITV and the BBC, Frances admitted she was grateful for her career freedom.

The expert gardener told the Kitchen Garden Magazine Podcast: “Well people ask me this now and again, and I have never really thought about it.

“But I was watching Channel 4 news yesterday and there was an advertisement for Sandy Toksvig, who is doing something with Channel 4 and she is obviously on BBC, on BBC Radio.

“So obviously it does happen more now. I notice it now whereas I never would have thought about it before, but it’s quite nice from my perspective to get the freedom to do the things that I want to do.”

Asked what show she would most like to appear on in the future, Frances answered: “I love travelling, let’s do a bit of Monty Don’s Around The World In 80 Gardens.”

Around The World In 80 Gardens followed Monty Don, 65, as he set off around the planet searching for world-class gardens and aired back in 2008.

Monty is someone who the 32-year-old works with closely on their show Gardeners’ World.

The 65-year-old took some time off the show recently while Frances stepped in to cover him on the programme.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Monty typed: “Full days filming today for next week’s GW – the banks may be on holiday but we are not!”

One eagle-eyed viewer was left confused after it said on the schedule that Frances would be introducing a special episode from Wakehurst, in West Sussex.

They replied: “Thought Frances was in charge for Friday?”

He explained that would indeed still be the case, as the episode he filmed this week would not air until next.

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Monty typed back: “We film a week ahead of transmission.”

While a second follower commented: “What do you want a medal? You get paid to potter about in the garden mate. Anyway I look forward to watching.”

The TV personality responded sarcastically: “Will take that as a compliment – delighted that is how it comes across.”

In the weeks that Monty had been absent from the show, viewers vented their frustration on social media.

One said: “Erm, Monty ain’t on #gardenersworld.”

Another asked: “Where’s Monty?! #GardenersWorld #MiddleAgedTweet.”

“Upon seeing that Monty is away this week and we have ‘Frosty’ instead….. #gardenersworld,” a third wrote.

The green-fingered presenter said he had been focusing on a project he was forced to postpone during the coronavirus pandemic, but has since returned to his full hosting duties.

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