BBC Breakfast's beloved weather presenter Carol Kirkwood delivered her final forecast today (April 1), marking the end of a 28-year stint with the broadcaster. The 63-year-old Scot reflected on her career, saying it was 'time for a new chapter'. She told viewers: '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.'
Kirkwood, who confirmed her departure in January, has spoken candidly about maintaining her cheerful on-screen persona despite the pain of her divorce from property developer Jimmy Kirkwood in 2008. She described the breakdown of her first marriage as 'always sad', adding: 'I feel sad when relationships break down. I was married before, and we got divorced, and it's always sad when that happens.' She admitted that she would have 'a good cry away from the cameras' to keep up her upbeat image.
The Met Office-trained presenter married police officer Steve Randall in 2023, and the couple plan to travel extensively in retirement. Kirkwood revealed: 'We fell in love with Majorca... Steve and I also plan to escape and travel for some time when we retire, perhaps in a year or two. We'll either travel in a camper van, or get in the car, cross over to France and just drive.' She described Randall as 'very romantic and very generous'.
Kirkwood also shared anecdotes from her varied work history, including stints as a housemaid, waitress, receptionist and postwoman in Edinburgh. She recalled how delivering post left her hungry each morning as she would 'smell toast, bacon, sausages' on her rounds. Her co-host Jon Kay remarked: 'You did everything!'
Kirkwood, an accomplished author who has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and The One Show, said her decision to leave the BBC was 'not an easy decision to make'. She leaves behind a legacy as one of the broadcaster's most cherished weather presenters.
