‘I was Alan Titchmarsh’s PA and we got strict letters telling gardening legend off’
Share and Follow

Alan Titchmarsh used to receive strict letters from fans who would criticise his gardening techniques. After working as a professional gardener and a horticultural journalist for years, the 76-year-old used his skills in several TV shows.

He became the face of Gardeners’ World in 1996, fronting the BBC programme until 2002 before hosting Ground Force alongside Charlie Dimmock and Tommy Walsh from 1997 to 2002.

With Alan a regular face on TV screens, it’s hardly a surprise that he often received fan mail from his admirers, but also critics. Angela Glass worked as the star’s personal assistant for two years between 1997 and 1999 after bumping into him at a parents’ meeting at their children’s school.

When Alan’s PA at the time headed to Washington for two years, his wife, Alison, asked Angela whether she would like to work for him.

Angela agreed and revealed one of her jobs was sorting through the vast amount of correspondence Alan was sent from four-year-olds to 90-year-olds.

In a previous interview with The Independent, Angela admitted one of her favourite parts of the job was “the warmth that comes through in the letters” and she detailed what kind of messages the presenter received.

She recalled: “The letters usually begin ‘Dear Alan, I hope you don’t mind my calling you Alan but I feel like you are a friend…’ People also send him presents, silk handkerchiefs from old ladies, that sort of thing – I think he brings out the mothering instinct in women regardless of their age.”

Angela continued: “We also get tongue-in-cheek letters with the words ‘You have always been a pin-up of mine’, nowadays with a PS from the husband addressed to Charlie Dimmock saying gardening took on a new meaning for him since she arrived.”

However, it wasn’t all positive as she recounted: “Of course people also write in their hundreds requesting a Ground Force make-over, but there are quite a few letters of criticism from strict gardeners who disapprove of Alan’s use of shingle or mirrors which might confuse dickie birds.

“We even got a letter from a woman claiming that she had injured herself when trying to step over her Step-Over apple tree and nearly needed the attention of a specialist.”

Angela added: “Another letter came from a man who couldn’t understand why the council wouldn’t take away his 12ft conifer which he had stuck into a wheelie bin.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

RHOBH Star Sutton Stracke Unfollows Garcelle Beauvais and Sparks Controversy with a New Photo of Her Friend

3 Credit: Faye’s Vision/Cover Images Sutton Stracke and Garcelle Beauvais are no…

Did Colby Donaldson Just Give A Major Hint About His Survivor 50: In The Hands Of The Fans Fate?

In the years since Survivor premiered in the year 2000, the reality…

Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter, who avoided the spotlight, returns for heartfelt tribute

It has been revealed that Ozzy Osbourne’s rarely seen daughter, Aimee Osbourne,…

Jessica Mulroney, Former Friend of Meghan Markle, Announces Divorce from Husband

Jessica Mulroney and Ben Mulroney are going their separate ways after 16…

Guerdy Abraira Thinks Envy Is Behind the RHOM Cast’s Conflict with Her, Teases Tension Between Julia and Stephanie

31 Credit: Alexander Tamargo/Bravo, Sophy Holland/Bravo Guerdy Abraira suspects jealousy may be…

Kelly Osbourne’s Emotional Tribute to Dad Ozzy at Heartfelt Funeral Procession

Kelly Osbourne was among her family as they travelled to the birthplace…

Adam Carolla Claims Ellen DeGeneres’ Team Was Terrified on Her Show: ‘She’s Really Unkind’

Comedian Adam Carolla claimed Ellen DeGeneres’ daytime talk show staff members were…