Beloved BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has delivered her emotional final forecast today, marking the end of an impressive 28-year tenure with the broadcaster. The 63-year-old Scottish forecaster bid a heartfelt farewell to viewers on April 1, joining her colleagues on the sofa to reflect on her career and announce that it was "time for a new chapter."
Emotional Farewell and New Beginnings
During her final appearance, Carol Kirkwood addressed the audience with poignant words, stating, "As for what comes next, well for once I don't have a detailed forecast but I do know this - it's time for a new chapter. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives." This announcement follows her confirmation in January that she would be departing the BBC, a decision she described as "not been an easy decision to make."
Plans for Retirement with Husband Steve
The Met Office-trained presenter revealed that her departure coincides with plans to spend more quality time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023. Carol shared their retirement dreams, explaining that they "plan to escape and travel for some time when we retire," potentially using a camper van or car to "cross over to France and just drive." She also expressed particular affection for Majorca, where she researched her fifth novel, Meet Me at Sunset.
Candid Reflections on Past Heartbreak
Despite the positive outlook for her future with Steve, Carol Kirkwood has been open about the difficulties she faced during the breakdown of her first marriage. She was previously married to property developer Jimmy Kirkwood for 18 years before their divorce in 2008, and has described such situations as "always sad."
Maintaining Professionalism Through Personal Pain
In candid interviews, Carol discussed how she managed to maintain her cheerful on-screen persona while dealing with the emotional turmoil of her divorce. She revealed that she deliberately kept her personal life "separate" from her career, fearing she would otherwise end up in a "puddle of tears." Her professional work provided a crucial outlet during this challenging period, allowing her to compartmentalise what she described as her 'grief.'
Speaking to Woman's Way magazine, Carol offered insight into her perspective on relationships, stating, "I love hearing about how people meet. I feel sad when relationships break down. I was married before, and we got divorced, and it's always sad when that happens." She added, "But of course, there isn't such a thing - I don't think - as a perfect romance, where you're never going to fall out or have cross words. Of course you are, that's life."
Varied Career and Personal Highlights
Beyond her weather presenting role, Carol Kirkwood is an accomplished author who has also appeared on popular programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and The One Show. She previously surprised her BBC Breakfast co-hosts by revealing her diverse work history, which included positions as a housemaid, waitress, receptionist, and even a postwoman in Edinburgh.
Looking Forward with Optimism
Carol has spoken warmly about her current husband Steve, describing him as "very romantic and very generous" during a conversation with PA. Her decision to embark on this new chapter represents a significantly happier period in her life, contrasting with the challenges she faced following her first marriage. As she transitions from her long-standing BBC role, Carol Kirkwood leaves behind a legacy as one of British television's most recognisable and beloved weather presenters, while looking ahead to retirement adventures with her partner.
