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RHS Chelsea Flower Show set to return in full for first time since 2019

Sophie Raworth is back to present. (BBC)
Sophie Raworth is back to present. (BBC)

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is set to make its first full return since before the coronavirus pandemic.

Popular with gardeners around the world, the event is usually a highlight of their calendar - but since 2019, it has been subdued by COVID restrictions on social distancing.

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In 2020 the show was cancelled altogether, and last year it was moved from its usual May slot to an autumn schedule instead.

However, next month the show will make a triumphant full return, with an extensive programme of coverage coming to the BBC.

Undated handout photo issued by RHS of plans of the monument amid woodlands which will be among the tributes to the monarch in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show. In the show's Great Pavilion, the monument will be surrounded by a photography exhibition of the Queen visiting the show throughout her reign. Issue date: Wednesday April 27, 2022.
The show is set to include a Platinum Jubilee monument for the Queen. (PA)

Launching on Sunday, 22 May with an hour-long show on BBC One, Sophie Raworth and Joe Swift will take a look at some of the highlights to look out for in this year's exhibition.

There will then be daily coverage from the Chelsea Flower Show capturing all of the excitement viewers were used to seeing before the pandemic, hosted by a series of celebrity presenters.

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Nicki Chapman and Angellica Bell are joined this year by Mary Berry, JJ Chalmers and Chris Bavin to look around the stunning exhibits and interview renowned experts in how viewers can recreate some garden magic at home.

Experts appearing in the coverage include Monty Don, Carol Klein, Joe Swift and Mark Lane.

The Guangzhou Garden, designed by Peter Chimiel and Chin-Jung Chen, which has won the top award of Best Show Garden, during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London. Picture date: Tuesday September 21, 2021.
Last year's Best Show Garden, The Guangzhou Garden, designed by Peter Chimiel and Chin-Jung Chen. (PA)

The week will also see the return of the BBC RHS People's Choice award, where viewers can vote for their favourite garden of the year.

BBC's Catherine Catton, head of commissioning, popular factual and factual entertainment, said: "The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a real highlight in the gardening calendar and I’m delighted that we are back in full for the first time since 2019!

"We have an absolutely fantastic line up of presenters bringing us all the action from the showground and I can’t wait for them to share their enthusiasm and expertise with BBC audiences."

RHS Chelsea Flower Show launches on Sunday, 22 May at 6pm on BBC One.

Watch: 'Lovely to come back': Princess Anne attends RHS Flower Show