Alan Titchmarsh has voiced his disapproval of ‘rude’ celebrities, particularly after an ‘unpleasant’ encounter at a restaurant. Raised to appreciate good manners, the respected former presenter of Gardeners’ World shared with the I newspaper his discomfort witnessing some stars’ discourteous behaviour towards service staff during meals.
He explained, “For the most part, the guests on Pebble Mill were also very polite. But there was the odd exception. I’ve been in situations where famous people have been rude to waiters or waitresses and I find that unbearable.”
He made it clear that when faced with such rudeness, he would leave, stating firmly, “In those situations I will just get up and go.”
Gardener Alan Titchmarsh appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning on ITV
(Image: ITV)
Titchmarsh avoided naming any celebrities from Pebble Mill specifically but told an amusing tale about his interaction with the esteemed Dame Joan Collins: “People always ask interviewers, ‘What were they REALLY like?’ don’t they? I remember the second time I interviewed Joan Collins, I told her people had asked me what she was like ‘close up’. She thrust her face towards me and said: ‘Well??! ‘I said: ‘Very good!'” As for royalty, Alan holds King Charles and Queen Camilla in high regard, often saying they are “great company”.
Alan Titchmarsh recently shared with The Times: “There are days when I struggle to work out how that plumber’s son ended up where he is today. Lucky enough to be on good terms with King Charles and Queen Camilla -they are great company.”
He also expressed his gratitude for being recognised in the New Year Honours List, saying, “The respect is clearly mutual, as Alan is being made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to horticulture and to charity in King Charles’s New Year Honours List.”
Alan Titchmarsh and King Charles
(Image: Spun Gold)
Titchmarsh has enjoyed a longstanding friendship with King Charles, spanning over 40 years, united by their common interest in environmental conservation and gardening. He has often praised the king for his dedication to environmental issues, describing him as the “ultimate advocate for looking after the planet close to home”.
Starting his television career as the host of BBC’s Pebble Mill in 1991, Titchmarsh welcomed a host of famous faces, including Shirley Bassey and Morgan Freeman. He continued to present the show until its end in 1996, before taking the helm at Gardeners’ World.
However, it was his role as a gardening expert on BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours and The Today Programme two decades prior that marked his major break into broadcasting, as reported by the Express.
Today, Titchmarsh is the beloved host of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV, where he continues to interview celebrity guests. Fans can catch the latest episode of his show this Sunday, January 12, from 9.30am.