RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 - How to watch on TV and BBC iPlayer and follow across the BBC

The week of extensive coverage celebrates innovation, inspiration and the future of gardening

Published: 03:35 pm, 12 May 2026
Five people stood in a bright garden smiling towards camera
Arit Anderson, Rachel De Thame, Monty Don, Adam Frost, Sophie Raworth (Image: BBC Studios)

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show returns from Sunday 17 May 2026, and the BBC will once again offer audiences across the UK unparalleled access to the world’s most prestigious horticultural event, with comprehensive daily coverage across BBC One, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer throughout the week.

Coverage will be led by the trusted team of BBC presenters and horticultural experts. Kicking off the week's coverage on Sunday 17 May is Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost from 8pm on BBC Two. Sophie and Adam will be joined by Rachel de Thame and JJ Chalmers, with the first look at the Show Gardens and Great Pavilion exhibits, including the exclusive reveal of The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden.

Audiences can join Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell everyday from Monday 18 May at 2pm on BBC One Daytime for accessible, affordable take-home tips for gardeners of all abilities. Each day they will explore practical themes, from creating visual impact to encouraging wildlife and bringing a holiday feel to gardens at home and joined by Carol Klein, Frances Tophill, Sue Kent, Toby Buckland, Rachel de Thame, Flo Headlam and Chris Bavin.

There will also be a daily Chelsea Clinic with the gardening experts answering viewers’ gardening questions, and on Wednesday the presenters will launch the BBC RHS People’s Choice Award, with the winner announced on Friday afternoon.

And if you’re left wanting to see what’s happening at the show daily, channel hop over to BBC Two at 8pm and join the Chelsea team for exclusive celebrity interviews, special coverage of the Royal Family’s annual visit, and in-depth exploration of the plant specialisms, growers, and designers from the show.

Monty Don will be joined by co-host Rachel de Thame at the start of the week – to reveal this year’s stunning Great Pavillion exhibits and show gardens culminating in the announcement of the RHS Chelsea Garden of the Year unveiled on medals day. Arit Anderson joins Monty later in the week as they look at new plant introductions, including the RHS Plant of the Year.

Angellica Bell and Nicki Chapman wearing dresses stood in a pristine garden smiling at the camera
Angellica Bell and Nicki Chapman (Image: BBC Studios)

Catherine Catton, Factual Entertainment and Events commissioner says: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the RHS to showcase the very best of the world’s most famous flower show. The Chelsea Flower Show continues to set the standard for horticultural excellence and innovation, and this partnership allows us to bring its unique atmosphere and storytelling to a broad audience.”

Sophie Raworth says: “I've spent the last three weeks filming designers and growers as they build their show gardens at Chelsea. I can tell you it's going to be another wonderful year. We are in for a treat. It's my 12th year as part of the team at the Chelsea flower show, and it is always a highlight of my year. I can't wait to see it open to the public next week.”


How to watch the Chelsea Flower Show 2026 on TV and BBC iPlayer

  • Sunday 17 May on BBC Two and iPlayer from 8pm - Hour-long launch programme presented by Adam Frost and Sophie Raworth
  • Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May on BBC One and iPlayer from 2pm until 3pm - Daily programmes presented by Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell
  • Evenings on BBC Two and iPlayer from 8pm - Presented by Monty Don (all week), Rachel de Thame (Monday to Tuesday) and Arit Anderson (Wednesday to Friday)
  • Friday 22 May on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm - Half-hour programme with Sophie Raworth and Adam Frost, joined by special guest Dame Mary Berry 
  • Saturday 23 May on BBC Two and iPlayer from 8pm - Hour-long special highlights show presented by Monty Don and Rachel de Thame
  • Sunday 26 May on BBC One and iPlayer from 6.15pm - Hour-long highlights looking back across a brilliant week of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026  

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