The BBC’s Gardeners’ World will hit television screens in a radical new format tonight when it airs its first show from a top-secret plot of land in the heart of Birmingham.

Viewers of the channel’s flagship gardening programme will be introduced to a gnome who spies on presenters, a what’s hot and what’s not blackboard and an outdoor cooking lesson.

And in a new “me and my garden” feature, fans will be given an insight into the life of a police officer who runs a gnome sanctuary and a man and wife who have separate gardens because they argue too much.

New presenter Toby Buckland said it was a great time to be involved with the series.

He said: “It’s really exciting to join the show especially as it is being revamped. I’m really passionate about my gardening and hopefully that will come through on screen.

“I like anything with a story. Plants that have come from somebody’s back garden have a real history and are much more interesting than just a price tag.

“I like taking something that is unlikely and turning it into a beautiful feature.”

The location of the four-acre site is being kept under wraps amid fears it could be targeted by vandals.

TV insiders said they were confident that the new Gardener’s World site, which replaces the Berryfields site in Warwickshire, would remain safe and secure despite its urban setting.

And traditionalists will be happy to hear that show producers will be keeping the best elements of the programme, which is now in its 41st year.

Presenters Carol Klein, Joe Swift and Alys Fowler will give tips on the best spring-flowering shrubs and bulbs, and demonstrate how to construct a compost bin in tonight’s episode.

A feature for the more frugal gardener will also be aired, beginning with ideas on plant swapping and a grow-your-own fruit salad.

Gardener’s World is on BBC2 at 8pm.