BBC to screen new Gardener's World show

BBC viewers have hit back at plans to scrap the Gardener's World Christmas Special programme in order to make way for a new series scheduled to start in 2010, the Sun reports.

After over 40 years of gracing Britain's screens over the festive period, the long-running seasonal show will be cut and replaced in the New Year by a fresh offering presented by Gardener’s World co-host Alys Fowler.

According to the Sun, one gardening enthusiast said: "A lot of fans will be very upset. It has been an annual treat for gardeners. It has to make way so that Alys gets her own show."

Commenting on the decision to introduce a programme aimed at younger gardeners, Lorna Russell, BBC Books editorial director, told the Bookseller: "She's young and appeals to a different sector of the market to the other two presenters."

Six episodes will be screened in January 2010, following Alys working in her Birmingham garden between the months of April and November.

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