Popular broadcaster meets fans at Waterstone’s St Albans

BROADCASTER Alan Titchmarsh made a 91-year-old St Albans woman blush last week.

The well-known gardener and bestselling author was at Waterstone’s on Friday to meet fans and discuss his recently released book, The Haunting.

Queuing up to meet her “second pin-up boy” was Gladys Watson, of Chiswell Green.

Gladys confessed she had “always liked” Alan, watches television shows he presents such as the Chelsea Flower Show, and has bought all his books.

Gladys even has his figurine taking pride of place at the bottom of her garden, which her daughter, Pam Watson, puts away before winter hits, so it doesn’t get ruined.

After meeting her idol Gladys said: “He is so natural. Christmas has come early for me this year. I said to him, ‘you are my second pin-up boy [after her late husband]’. He didn’t mind being the second one.”

Pam, also at the store to meet Alan, said: “I have never known my mother to blush.”

She described the author as, “very nice, just natural.”

Alan said he enjoyed visiting St Albans as he attended horticultural lessons several decades ago at Oaklands College, where he remembers washing leeks in cold water at 5am in preparation for the markets.

He then went on to study at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

He also recalled visiting The Peahen, London Road, in 1968.

Alan said: “I remember it because it was my very first night away from home. It is always a pleasure to come to St Albans.”

Reflecting on his colourful life, including currently hosting ITV programme, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, Alan said he had been “very lucky” to have had such a varied career, and that he had made the most of opportunities when they cropped up.

Alan added: “My life is split between broadcasting and writing. I’m a writer first and foremost who also does TV.”

The Haunting, Alan’s eighth novel, is a story of love, betrayal and murder set in the Hampshire countryside.

Sean Farrell, manager of Waterstone’s in St Albans, said: “We were dead chuffed when we knew he was coming for an event here. Alan is a very successful author.”