Heartbroken TV gardener Monty Don has announced the death of his beloved dog Peggy. Monty's dogs will be familiar to many Gardeners' World viewers as they appear on the BBC show alongside him from time to time.

The 70-year-old star shared the sad news with his followers on Instagram tonight, writing: "Peggy died yesterday. She was an old lady - a few weeks short of her 16th birthday- and went as she had lived, gently and without fuss.

"She was eccentric, quirky, infinitely gentle and loving and will be missed terribly. She is now buried in the coppice alongside Nigel and Nell and the other dogs."

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He was quickly comforted by followers, with one writing: "I am so sorry, Monty. Dogs are such a special part of our lives." Another wrote: "So sorry to hear Monty she will be so missed. Thinking of you."

A third message came in from the team at Gardeners World magazine, writing: "So sorry for your loss." Another added wisely: "Dogs are part of the family so I know how much this will hurt. She had a long and happy life so that should be a comfort."

Monty also has a dog called Ned, who was pictured licking his face in the Radio 2 dog garden at the Chelsea Flower Show last year, and another called Patti.

His dog Nigel - who he said today is buried in his garden - died in 2020, with the star saying: "To the end he was happy, healthy and his usual calm, lovely self. But he was suddenly taken ill."

The other dog he mentioned, Nellie, died 2023, with the BBC star also paying tribute on Instagram. He wrote: "I remember her not with sadness but gratitude for the way she enriched my life".