Carol Kirkwood has spoken about life after leaving BBC Breakfast, her 13-year age gap with husband Steve Randall, and why she says she is happier than ever in her 60s. The 64-year-old left the BBC in April 2026 after years of early starts, and now says she is enjoying the freedom to decide what comes next.
Liberating move from the BBC
Speaking to The Sun's Fabulous magazine, the weather presenter said: "Leaving the BBC has been liberating. I am finally dancing to my own tune and have so much more freedom."
"In fact, I am finding my 60s really exciting. Now that I don’t have the constraints of work, a whole new world is opening up, where my husband of three years Steve [Randall, 51, a retired police officer] and I can go anywhere," she added.
On the age difference
Kirkwood addressed the 13-year age difference between herself and Steve, insisting it is not something that concerns her. "The age difference between Steve and I is 13 years, but it’s not something I think about," she said.
"People will ask: ‘Oh, there is a big age gap, what are you going to do when you are 85 and Steve’s 72?’ We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Anything could happen in the next 15 to 20 years. I’m not worried about that in the slightest," she said.
Embracing ageing and fashion
The couple are focused on enjoying everyday pleasures, from walks and gardening to meals at home. Kirkwood said they were both fit and hoped to stay that way, revealing Steve completed the Marathon des Sables through the Sahara desert in 2014.
Kirkwood has also become more relaxed about getting older and has no plans to turn to plastic surgery. "Each age brings something different, and I’ve got so many lines on my face, I see them in photos, many of them laughter lines," she said. While she does not judge anyone who chooses cosmetic procedures, she says they are not for her.
She also refuses to let age dictate what she wears. Recalling a friend worrying she could no longer wear short-sleeved tops or spaghetti straps as she approached 40, Kirkwood said: "Don’t be ridiculous, of course you can." She added: "I think if you are happy, then what does it matter? Have fun with colour and fashion."
New routine and future plans
During her BBC Breakfast years, Kirkwood would go to bed at 8pm and wake at 2.45am. A trip to Las Vegas with Steve to see The Eagles helped reset her body clock. Since returning, she has been waking naturally between 7am and 8am. "I haven’t once woken up earlier than 7am, unless we were going on holiday and had set an alarm clock," she said.
Kirkwood has not missed presenting the weather as much as she expected. She remains in touch with former colleagues and is enjoying choosing new work on her own terms. "At the Beeb, you had to get permission to do extra work. Now, I’m my own boss," she said.
She also revealed she and her first husband were unable to have children, but said she is happy with the life she has. Even if she won the lottery, Kirkwood said she would probably give much of the money away.
