BBC reminds Monty Don of guidelines after Barbour ad

The BBC has reminded its longtime presenter Monty Don of its editorial guidelines after he wore a Barbour jacket on the television program "Gardeners' World" while simultaneously appearing in a paid advertising campaign for the same brand. The incident involved the horticulturalist wearing a navy blue Barbour jacket during the most recent series of the popular gardening show.

According to the BBC's guidelines on conflicts of interest, presenters must not appear on air wearing clothing or using products they have agreed to promote, advertise, or endorse. A BBC spokesperson stated that the corporation has clear guidelines around presenters' commercial activities and confirmed that Don has been reminded of these rules. The jacket in question is featured in Barbour's "Way of Life" marketing campaign, which includes promotional content of Don discussing his connection to nature and the outdoors while wearing the brand's clothing. The campaign encourages customers to purchase the items he wears.

This is not the first time the BBC has addressed such issues with its on-air talent. In 2024, presenter Gary Lineker prompted a reminder of the guidelines after he appeared to wear items from...