Carol Kirkwood Delivers Final BBC Breakfast Forecast After Three Decades
Carol Kirkwood, the much-loved weather presenter, has officially stepped away from her role on BBC Breakfast after an incredible thirty-year tenure. Her last broadcast aired on Wednesday, marking the end of a distinguished career that began in the early 1990s. At 63 years old, Kirkwood is now looking forward to a well-deserved retirement, focusing on personal time and adventures with her husband, Steve Randall, aged 49.
Retirement Plans and Personal Life
Following her departure, Kirkwood plans to embrace a slower pace of life, famously ditching her 2.45am alarm for good. She expressed excitement about traveling around Europe with Randall, a police officer, after years of prioritizing her broadcasting career. The couple married in December 2023 at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire and currently reside in Windsor. Kirkwood has described her husband as "tall, handsome, kind, gentle, strong, funny, charming," and a skilled cook, highlighting her joy in their relationship.
In her final on-screen moments, Kirkwood shared, "Lots of travels, we've got lots of things planned," with Randall adding, "It's going to be the best ever [having Carol at home more], and the first thing to go is the alarm clock. That can go!" She has already begun documenting her low-key retirement on Instagram, which she joined in January, offering glimpses into her new chapter.
Emotional Farewell and Tributes
The farewell broadcast was an emotional affair, with Kirkwood struggling to hold back tears as she announced her departure back in January, admitting she "loves her job" but wanted more time with her husband. During her final show, she was joined by co-stars Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, who praised her transformative impact on weather reporting. Nugent noted, "You have changed the way weather is reported on television in lots of ways," citing her work at major events like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show.
The BBC aired tribute videos from numerous celebrities, including Sue Barker, Vicky McClure, Paul Merton, Zoe Ball, Clare Balding, Chris Evans, and Sir Chris Hoy, who described Kirkwood as a "ray of sunshine" and a "great friend." A surprise message from musician Bryan Adams left her in shock, as he thanked her for "all the great weather reports over the years." Viewers also sent in heartfelt messages, with Kirkwood admitting it hadn't fully sunk in that she was leaving.
Career Highlights and Reflections
Kirkwood's career began as a production assistant on BBC Breakfast before she trained as a meteorologist, joining the BBC Weather Centre in 1998. Over the years, she became a familiar face, known for her sunny disposition and memorable reports from events such as Royal Ascot and the Tower of London poppies display. Her charm earned her a spot on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she reached week eight with partner Pasha Kovalev.
In her closing remarks, Kirkwood reflected, "After 28 years as a BBC weather presenter, tracking storms, chasing sunshine, and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I'm saying goodbye." She expressed gratitude to audiences, saying, "Thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow, to big national events and the every day question of: 'Do I need to take a brolly?'"
Personal Growth and Future Outlook
Kirkwood's personal journey includes a divorce from property developer Jimmy Kirkwood in 2014, which she credits with helping her "find herself" and become braver, taking on challenges like flying with the Red Arrows. Now, as she embarks on retirement, she looks forward to "watching the weather instead of presenting it," cherishing memories and friendships from her decades on screen. Her departure marks the end of an era for BBC Breakfast, with fans and colleagues alike celebrating her contributions to broadcasting.
