If you tuned into the BBC’s Chelsea Flower Show coverage this year and found yourself wondering why something felt… different—you’re not alone.
Longtime viewers were quick to notice that Joe Swift, a much-loved presenter who’s been part of the show for more than two decades, was nowhere to be seen.
And it didn’t take long before the complaints started pouring in.
Joe Swift Replaced by New Line-Up After 24 Years
Joe Swift, a familiar face at the Royal Horticultural Society’s biggest event, has been a presenter for 24 years.
He started off as a roving reporter before working his way up to co-anchor alongside gardening legend Monty Don.
But this year, Swift was quietly replaced. In his place, the BBC brought in Rachel de Thame and Arit Anderson—two respected garden designers and regulars from Gardeners’ World—to join Monty on the main BBC Two evening slot.
Viewers Take to Social Media in Frustration
Swift’s absence didn’t go unnoticed. Dozens of disappointed fans flocked to Facebook and Twitter to voice their frustrations.
The most common complaint? That the BBC had gone too far with its diversity initiatives—particularly the Corporation’s 50:50 equality scheme, which aims to boost female, disabled, and minority representation on-screen.
One user summed it up bluntly, posting: “Where’s Joe?” That question quickly became a chorus across social platforms.
“Joe and Monty Had Great Chemistry”—Fans Miss the Banter
Many viewers didn’t just miss Joe for his expertise, but also for his natural chemistry with Monty Don.
One fan, Kerry Thatcher, was especially vocal: “Not the same without Joe.
The banter between him and Monty made the show.
Shame on you BBC for going woke and ruining a much-loved programme.”
She added that Joe was replaced “simply because he is a man,” calling him a respected designer with a Chelsea gold medal under his belt.
“Why Did It Take Two Women to Replace One Man?”
That sentiment echoed throughout the comments. One viewer questioned why it took two women to replace Swift, while another likened the new format to “a women’s chat show.”
Some said the show now lacked the fun and authenticity that Joe brought, describing the current version as “worthy and nice, but dull.”
Another longtime fan, Lisa Ashton, explained it perfectly: “It’s not the same without Joe.
He keeps Monty from being too pompous.”
Not Everyone Is Upset with the Change
Despite the backlash, not everyone was unhappy.
A smaller group of viewers welcomed the fresh energy that Rachel and Arit brought to the table.
One supporter, Terry Barber, commented: “Brilliant line-up this year. The production needed a shake-up.
Monty is more relaxed with Rachel and Arit. A joy to watch. I do not miss Joe one bit.”
Joe Still Made an Appearance… Just Not on Camera
Although he wasn’t part of the presenting team, Joe Swift didn’t entirely skip Chelsea this year.
He was spotted on Monday morning promoting a show garden designed by his company, Modular, in partnership with the homeless charity Pathway.
He also revealed he was heading off on holiday later that day to celebrate his upcoming 60th birthday.
Joe Opens Up About On-Camera Pressure and Past Bloopers
In a recent podcast interview, Swift got candid about what it’s really like filming at Chelsea.
He admitted that having an audience of garden visitors watching him record live can be nerve-wracking, especially since many secretly hope for on-air slip-ups.
He shared a few behind-the-scenes mishaps, including the time he accidentally revealed the value of a £35,000 bonsai tree—which was stolen from the nursery a week later.
And there was that memorable moment when he asked for a banana to boost his energy and someone handed him a can of lager in front of a crowd.
“It was 10 in the morning,” he laughed, “and I had to shout ‘I asked for a banana!’”
The BBC Responds to the Backlash
When approached for comment, the BBC confirmed that Joe Swift simply isn’t part of this year’s presenting team.
Though no specific reason was given, many suspect the shift aligns with the BBC’s ongoing efforts to hit equality targets.
While viewers are split, what’s clear is that Joe’s absence has stirred strong emotions—and started a bigger conversation about change in beloved programming.
A Legacy That Sticks Around—Even Without the Spotlight
Even though Joe Swift isn’t on screen this year, his presence is still felt by those who’ve followed him for decades.
From dressing as Indiana Jones during his early days to being part of iconic Chelsea moments, Swift has built a legacy that can’t be easily replaced—even by a new, polished format.
Only time will tell if the BBC’s latest shake-up is a blooming success or if fans will keep calling for the return of their Chelsea favourite.