Matthew Biggs, Gardeners’ Question Time and BBC radio star, dies aged 65

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Gardeners’ Question Time has been a beloved BBC radio program since it first aired in 1947. Throughout its nearly 80-year history, no one has been more admired and appreciated on the panel than Matt Biggs, who sadly passed away today, May 21st, at the age of 65.

Since 2020, Biggs had been battling cancer. Despite his illness, he continued to host his show until very recently, with his last appearance airing just last week. That episode featured a segment where Biggs shared his love of gardening, explaining how it helped him cope with his illness and improved his well-being.

The segment was incredibly touching, and viewers responded with huge enthusiasm, according to GQT producer Dan Cocker. Before the show aired, Mohit Bakaya, head of Radio 4, expressed the station’s deep gratitude to Matthew for his many years of dedication to Gardeners’ Question Time.

He’s made a remarkable impact and has been a fantastic representative for Radio 4, especially when it comes to gardening.

Biggs shared his story with the hope of helping others going through health challenges and inspiring people of all ages.

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Everyone on the show knew him as Biggsy, and he’d been a consistent panelist on GQT since 1994. According to Dan Cocker, listeners enjoyed Matt’s enthusiastic and helpful gardening advice, delivered in a relatable and understanding way that resonated with everyday gardeners.

Matt’s passion was infectious when he spoke, and his vivid descriptions – whether of a rose’s color or a Paulownia’s delicate petals – made you instantly like him.

David Biggs, a horticulturalist trained at the prestigious Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, also worked in television. He appeared on Channel 4’s Garden Club and directed the ITV program Grass Roots. He was a prolific author, writing books like Garden: Exploring the Horticultural World and A Home for Every Plant: Wonders of the Botanical World.

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Biggs gained recognition as a champion for the positive effects of gardening on mental health, and he actively participated in projects that highlighted this connection, even extending to improving wellbeing in healthcare settings.

While receiving cancer treatment at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, he led an effort to create a new garden for fellow patients. He brought together a team to plan, raise money for, and plant the garden, hoping it would bring them joy and inspiration.

Biggs is survived by his wife Gill and his daughters Chloe and Jessica.

Authors

Simon O’Hagan

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2026-05-21 17:34