Monty Don Reflects on a Heartfelt Moment from His Past
Monty Don, the beloved 69-year-old presenter of BBC Gardeners’ World, recently opened up about a poignant memory from his younger years. He described a deeply emotional moment shared with his wife, Sarah, as they drove past a field of barley, which evoked a powerful sense of nostalgia.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Monty recalled a childhood experience that left a lasting impression. At just seven years old, he returned home from boarding school to discover that the family garden had “burst into flower.” He likened the sensation to missing Christmas—a bittersweet realization, though not necessarily a sense of loss.
Years later, during his twenties, a simple drive through the countryside reignited this childhood memory. Reflecting on the moment, Monty shared: “Sarah and I were driving out of London towards Kent, passing a field full of barley. Barley has a unique way of rippling in the wind, unlike wheat, which tends to rustle. That subtle difference transported me back to my childhood in Hampshire.”
He continued: “The sight triggered an intense homesickness. My whole childhood felt tied to the ripple of barley in the fields. Realizing that this idyllic period, the good parts of it, was forever gone was utterly heartbreaking.”
Monty went on to reflect on the contrasting emotions tied to different aspects of his upbringing. While the barley fields symbolized a cherished connection to his home, he had less fond memories of his boarding school years. He described the landscape around the school as dominated by “dark, dull, horrible” rhododendrons, pines, and heathers—plants he associated with unpleasant times. In stark contrast, his home was adorned with beautiful beeches and fragrant lilacs, which he still remembers fondly.
As he looked back, Monty candidly acknowledged that his teenage years were far from idyllic. Speaking to the Mirror, he admitted that flowers and gardening were not part of his adolescence. Instead, he described those years as filled with “sex, drugs, and rock and roll.” He even revealed that he was expelled from several schools during this rebellious period of his life.
This blend of heartfelt nostalgia and candid honesty offers a glimpse into the life of the much-loved gardening expert, whose passion for nature seems rooted in both the highs and lows of his formative years.
Eden Taylor-Draper: The Life and Heartbreak of Emmerdale’s Belle Dingle Star
Eden Taylor-Draper has become a household name thanks to her portrayal of Belle Dingle on the long-running British soap opera Emmerdale. Known for her compelling performances, Eden has been a staple of the show for nearly two decades, but her life off-screen reveals an inspiring story of resilience, family, and dedication.
A Young Talent’s Rise to Fame
Born in Selby, Yorkshire, in 1997, Eden joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2005 when she was just eight years old. Over the years, her character Belle Dingle has been at the centre of numerous dramatic storylines, with her most recent arc delving into the harrowing topic of domestic abuse. Belle’s turbulent relationship with her ex-husband, Tom King, left her struggling to find solace and someone to confide in.
Eden’s portrayal of these difficult moments has earned her widespread recognition. At 26, she is now an accomplished actress with several accolades, including the prestigious Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress Award at the British Soap Awards.
Behind the Scenes: A Strong Family Bond
While Eden captivates audiences on-screen, her personal life is equally compelling. Her family has always been a significant part of her journey, particularly her relationship with her younger sister Francesca. When Eden was around 20 years old, Francesca was diagnosed with cancer—a life-changing event for the entire family.
Eden became a steadfast pillar of support during her sister’s treatment. She made it a priority to visit Francesca weekly, often staying overnight at the hospital to ensure her sister felt comforted and cared for. Reflecting on those challenging times, Eden shared heartwarming memories:
“I stayed over a few times a week. Chessie had her bed, and I had a little bed next to her. Mornings would be a snuggle, a cup of tea, and re-runs of Come Dine with Me. I tried to keep Chess as cosy as possible. We’d always say ‘love you’ before bed and remind each other that everything would be OK.”
This unwavering dedication exemplifies the strong bond Eden shares with her family. Francesca, affectionately known as “Chessie,” has since made remarkable progress in her recovery and is reportedly doing very well.
A Role Model for Advocacy
The experience of supporting Francesca through her battle with cancer has shaped Eden’s perspective on life and her role as an advocate. She now serves as an ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust, using her platform to raise awareness and provide hope to young people facing similar challenges.
Her advocacy work reflects her compassion and desire to make a positive impact beyond the world of acting. Speaking about her family’s strength, Eden said, “We’ve got such a strong family. When our mum puts her mind to something, she always sees it through. She told Chessie, ‘You are getting better, and that’s it. We’re going to get through it.’”
A Close-Knit Family Life
Eden is the eldest of four siblings. Alongside Francesca, she has three younger siblings—Sebastian, Pollyanna, and Posy—who form part of her tight-knit family. Her parents, Nicola and Richard, have also played a significant role in fostering the strong family values that Eden often speaks about.
Despite the challenges her family has faced, their unity and love have remained constant. It’s clear that Eden draws strength and inspiration from her family’s resilience, which has undoubtedly influenced her growth as both an actress and an individual.
Balancing Fame and Personal Growth
As Eden continues to thrive in her acting career, she remains grounded by her personal experiences and the support of her loved ones. Her ability to balance the demands of a high-profile role on Emmerdale with her advocacy and dedication to her family serves as a testament to her character and determination.
Eden Taylor-Draper is not just a star on-screen but also an inspiring figure off-screen, proving that strength and compassion can shine even in the face of life’s toughest challenges
Ekin-Su Reflects on Her Time on Celebrity Big Brother and Personal Growth
Ekin-Su Culculoglu, a former contestant on Celebrity Big Brother, has candidly shared her thoughts about her time on the show and the personal challenges she faced during that period.
The ITV2 reality series, which concluded earlier this year with David Potts emerging as the winner, frequently placed Ekin-Su in the spotlight due to her outspoken remarks and fiery interactions with other housemates. While her stint on the show brought significant attention, Ekin-Su now reflects on how her emotional state influenced her behavior during filming.
In a recent interview on Lorraine, the Love Island alum opened up about her mixed feelings toward the experience. She admitted that, in hindsight, it was not the right moment for her to join the show, as she was in the midst of personal healing. Reflecting on her mindset at the time, she shared, “Celebrity Big Brother is a fantastic show, and I don’t regret participating. But I now realise it wasn’t the best time for me. I was healing from past challenges and wasn’t fully healed. That influenced how I came across.”
Ekin-Su described feeling defensive during her time in the house, a trait she now acknowledges was a response to her internal struggles. She elaborated, “Looking back, I hardly recognise myself. I was overly defensive, often referencing Love Island and trying to protect myself in conversations. That’s not who I am now. I’ve taken accountability for my actions and words. I’ve learned to forgive, to grow, and to move forward. That chapter is behind me, and I hold no ill feelings toward anyone. I genuinely wish everyone involved the very best.”
One of the most talked-about moments from the series was Ekin-Su’s decision not to attend the live finale. Addressing this, she explained it was a conscious choice, driven by her need to establish personal boundaries. She has since described this decision as an important step in her journey toward self-awareness and prioritising her well-being.
Despite the controversy surrounding her appearance, Ekin-Su remains reflective and optimistic about the future. Her insights serve as a reminder of the importance of timing, emotional readiness, and self-forgiveness when taking on challenges in the public eye.