BBC presenter Isa Guha has led tributes to former weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who is not part of the broadcaster's coverage of the Wimbledon Championships this year. Thousands of tennis enthusiasts have descended upon SW19 for the fortnight-long tournament, which got underway on Monday, June 29.
Isa Guha returned to front the early morning BBC broadcasts on Monday, appearing alongside Tim Henman and Anne Keothavong. However, one familiar face was notably absent from the coverage: Carol Kirkwood, who traditionally presented the weather throughout the Championships, has stepped away from her role on BBC Breakfast.
Carol Kirkwood's Retirement After 28 Years
Following a remarkable 28-year stint on BBC Breakfast, Kirkwood revealed her retirement plans in April, citing her desire to prioritise her marriage and travel across the globe. Her absence from Wimbledon this year marks the first time in nearly three decades that she has not been part of the tournament's weather coverage.
Isa Guha's Tribute on Air
Guha paid tribute to Kirkwood within minutes of Monday's Wimbledon coverage beginning. She remarked: "Now, this is normally the time in the show that we head across to Carol Kirkwood for a British weather update, especially here in the sunshine. It would have been great to see her, but after 28 years on BBC Breakfast, Carol has moved on. So, we wish you all the best, Carol. Hopefully you've got your feet up on the sofa with a cup of tea to enjoy the tennis this week."
Replacement Weather Presenters Announced
Revealing Kirkwood's replacements, Guha added: "Of course, there isn't one presenter who could replace Carol, so we're going to have a selection of BBC weather's finest over the two weeks, including today with Matt Taylor. Welcome along, Matt. How is it looking today, and for the rest of the fortnight?"
Matt Taylor stepped in to present the weather on the opening day, reporting from outside the training courts. He said: "Morning Isa. Absolute pleasure to be here, even if we are missing Carol. But I suspect eagle-eyed viewers may be able to spot her in the crowd somewhere today indulging in a love of tennis right here at Wimbledon itself. For her, for the crowds, also those warming up behind me, almost perfect conditions - certainly compared to the heat and humidity last week."
While Kirkwood savours the tennis action, she will be substituted by a rotating roster of BBC weather presenters throughout the fortnight. The lineup is expected to feature Sarah Keith-Lucas, Elizabeth Rizzini, Tomasz Schafernaker, and Helen Willetts.
Wimbledon Highlights and Storylines
There is plenty to anticipate at Wimbledon this year. Legend Serena Williams is poised to make a sensational singles return after four years away from the sport. She will also revive her iconic doubles partnership alongside her sister, Venus.
Andy Murray is equally back at the scene of one of his most celebrated victories, this time as part of Jack Draper's coaching setup. Novak Djokovic continues to chase his long-awaited record 25th Grand Slam title, where he will encounter fierce competition from reigning World Number One Jannik Sinner.
The tournament promises two weeks of high-quality tennis, with the BBC's weather coverage now in the hands of a rotating team of presenters.
