Monty Don, the much-loved Gardeners’ World presenter, has shared the devastating news that his Yorkshire Terrier Patti passed away suddenly yesterday morning following a brief illness.
The television gardener revealed the loss on social media, telling fans that his entire family had been left devastated by the tiny dog’s death.
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“I have sad news. Our lovely Patti died suddenly this morning after a very short illness. She was much loved, and lit up our lives. We are all heartbroken,” he wrote.
Patti had become a familiar face to millions of viewers through her appearances on the long-running BBC programme.
The Yorkshire Terrier was the tiniest member of Mr Don’s canine family, with Golden Retriever Ned being the other dog regularly seen on screen.
Patti had featured on and off on Gardeners’ World since 2020, winning a devoted following among the show’s audience.
However, an incident during lockdown saw her step back from filming.
In 2023, Mr Don explained that a tripod had toppled onto her, leaving her with a lasting fear of the equipment.
“That is why you always see me holding her. When the cameras are not here, she is out with me all the time,” he told a concerned viewer online.
Tributes quickly poured in from friends and fans of the star.
Fellow television presenter Matt Baker penned: “Thinking of you, Monty – As I always say, the reason we love our dogs so much is that the only time they break our hearts is when they leave us.”
TV vet Noel Fitzpatrick offered “Big hugs” to the gardener.
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Viewers also shared their condolences.
One person wrote: “So sorry, she was a wee cutie, she must have had the best doggy life living with you and your family, loved and cared for and in the most wonderful back garden.”
Another added: “So sorry to hear of Patti’s passing.”
“So so so sorry! Dogs are so precious their only fault if that is they don’t live as long as us. It is devastating when they leave us. I am a great believer we will all be together again on the other side. Take one day at a time,” penned a third fan. (sic)
The official Gardeners’ World Instagram account posted: “Such sad news. Patti was such a sweet soul. Sending you all our love.”
Patti’s death follows just months after Mr Don had to say goodbye to another of his dogs, Peggy, who died a few weeks shy of her 16th birthday.
He described Peggy at the time as “eccentric, quirky, infinitely gentle and loving,” adding that she had been laid to rest in the coppice beside his other departed pets.
The presenter has endured several such losses in recent years, with Golden Retriever Nigel dying in 2020 and Nell following three years later.
Mr Don has previously spoken about his wish to one day be buried alongside them. “Stick me in a hole in the copse with the dogs, and I’d be happy,” he said.
Patti’s death comes just months after another beloved BBC canine star, Ted from Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, died earlier this year.
The Patterdale Terrier mix became a firm favourite with viewers after first appearing alongside Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse in 2020.
Following his death, Mr Mortimer described Ted as “the best companion and the greatest little chum”, while Mr Whitehouse said his four-legged co-star was “a species all of his own”.
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