Chris to present Irish TV series

CHRIS BEARDSHAW is to front a new series that was due to be presented by John Cushnie. Plans for the Tern TV programme were thrown into disarray when popular Irish presenter John died on 31 December 2009. "It's not that I'm stepping into John's position - he was irreplaceable," Chris told AG. "The format was geared up for John. Now it has been changed."

Chris (left), a Gardeners' Question Time panellist, added: "The series is all about encouraging people to get gardening. It will demonstrate principles of plantsmanship, design, horticulture and growing fruit and veg, to engage as many people as possible." Filming will start in Northern Ireland this month. Chris will be joined by landscape designer and property developer Colin Donaldson. hey will work with a family or individual, for five months, transforming their garden.

"It's not quick-fix or imposing design solutions on people. It’s getting their hands dirty," Chris said. The first part of the series, which has not yet been named, will go out on BBC Northern Ireland in late May and early June. The second part will be broadcast in spring 2011. It has not been confirmed if the series will be shown in other BBC regions.