The BBC has issued a formal reminder to Gardeners' World host Monty Don regarding its commercial activity guidelines after he wore a promoted clothing item on air.
The 70-year-old presenter wore a navy blue, £300 Barbour jacket during the latest series of the long-running BBC Two program and on its official social media feeds, according to reports on Friday, May 29, 2026.
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The appearance created a conflict of interest because the horticulturalist simultaneously fronted a paid commercial campaign for the same brand.
Don is currently featured in Barbour's "Way of Life" spring/summer 2026 advertising campaign, which includes a promotional video where he discusses his relationship with nature and the outdoors while modeling the apparel.
The promotional initiative explicitly urges consumers to "shop the look" worn by the veteran gardening broadcaster.
"Presenters or other individuals must not appear on-air wearing clothing or using products or services which they have agreed/been contracted to promote, advertise or endorse or in which they have a specific financial interest," state the BBC guidelines on conflicts of interest.
The policy strictly prohibits on-screen talent from featuring products they have commercial agreements to endorse.
"We have clear guidelines around presenters' commercial activities while working with the BBC, and Monty has been reminded of these guidelines," said a BBC spokesperson.
The corporation confirmed that representatives have spoken directly to the presenter regarding the incident.
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Barbour recently announced the partnership, calling Don "Britain's most legendary gardener" and the "perfect anchor" for its spring/summer 2026 collection.
The brand's campaign also features other prominent public figures, including Frankie Bridge, AJ Odudu, Ella Eyre, and Jack Guinness.
The warning issued to Don follows similar enforcement actions taken by the broadcaster against other high-profile talent for clothing policy violations.
During the Euro 2024 tournament, football presenter Gary Lineker received a similar reminder after wearing a pale green knitted T-shirt and a sage green jacket during BBC coverage of England's opening match.
The items worn by the Match of the Day host closely resembled garments from his own Next fashion commercial range.
Additionally, Ski Sunday presenters Graham Bell and Chemmy Alcott were previously banned from wearing specific clothing lines on air by the broadcaster.
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The two former skiers had been serving as brand ambassadors for the skiwear firm Snow Finel and frequently wore the distinctive branded apparel during Ski Sunday broadcasts and the BBC's Winter Olympics coverage.
