'The garden's always been my anchor'

He's been a well-known face on our TV screens for decades but gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh is heading to pastures new by becoming an online influencer with his YouTube channel.. and he can't wait to invite the world into his personal 'paradise'

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From fronting some of the UK's best-loved horticultural shows to writing books and tending to his own garden, Alan Titchmarsh is constantly on the go. But how does he balance it all?

"With difficulty," he said. "I try to pace myself. Well, my wife tries to get me to pace myself. It's difficult when you like to be stimulated."

The popular presenter, 75, shows no sign of slowing down just yet. In fact, aside from working on his 13th novel, he's about to embark on a brand new adventure as an online influencer, taking fans inside his garden at his home in Hampshire.

With the launch of his YouTube channel this April, Gardening With Alan Titchmarsh, he will be sharing his wisdom with a new generation of gardeners.

"I was told, 'You're going to become an influencer," he said. "I like to think that for over 50 years, I've been an influencer. But I hope it's an interesting watch." Alan's enthusiasm and warmth have always been his greatest assets, and he will bring that same approach to YouTube.

"I like to be friendly, approachable and reliable," he said. "If you bore the pants off people by lecturing them, it's not surprising if they go somewhere else."

His vision for the channel is simple to create something personal and inviting.

"It will be quite personal," he added. "I'm happy to share a bit of paradise. They can take a look at my garden too, that's where I'll be filming."

Whether it's sowing seeds or planting roses, Alan is eager to guide both seasoned gardeners and total beginners with his new YouTube channel. And he's already had a taste of the online world and the impact and reach he has.