Household name: Critics say Alan Titchmarsh has been given preferential treatment because of his popularity His fellow gardeners were all banned from presenting at Chelsea Flower Show when they found themselves at risk of ‘conflict of interest’. But it appears when you are Alan Titchmarsh and regarded as the nation’s favourite green-fingered expert, the same guidelines don’t apply. The BBC was yesterday accused of having one rule for Titchmarsh and another for its lesser lights after it emerged the gardener has been allowed to present Chelsea Flower Show coverage while being the face of Waitrose, a sponsor at the event.
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Presenter Alan Titchmarsh, 64 accused of having a 'conflict of interest' as the ambassador for Waitrose
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BBC accused of giving Titchmarsh special treatment while lesser-known presenters were dropped for commercial interests last year
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Presenter didn't commentate on exhibit sponsored by Waitrose, which won a medal at the show this week
@placeholder still does a good job but the rules are the rules and should apply to everybody.’