Carol Kirkwood Announces Immediate Plans After BBC Breakfast Departure
BBC Breakfast's beloved weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood, has disclosed her initial intentions upon leaving the broadcast after an impressive 28-year tenure. The 63-year-old star, who confirmed her exit earlier this year, described the decision as a challenging one, driven by a desire to dedicate more quality time to her husband, Steve.
Emotional Farewell and Colleague Tributes
Ahead of her final show scheduled for April 1, Kirkwood has been overwhelmed with messages from friends and colleagues within the BBC. In a touching behind-the-scenes moment shared on Instagram by fellow weather presenter Tomasz Schafernaker, Kirkwood revealed her first action post-retirement. Schafernaker posted a clip stating, "Guess whose last day it is today? We're going to miss you, Carol!" to which Kirkwood responded with a hug, saying, "Oh, I'm going to miss you too, Tom. We go back a long way."
The duo reminisced about meeting 26 years ago in 2000, as Schafernaker highlighted her last day on Breakfast in Salford for Wednesday's broadcast. When asked about her plans after leaving, Kirkwood exclaimed, "Then, freedom! First thing I'm doing? That alarm clock, straight out!" laughing as she made the confession. Schafernaker embraced her again, adding, "Well, the nation is going to miss you. We are all going to miss you here."
Heartfelt Confirmation and Special Recognition
During her announcement earlier this year, Kirkwood was visibly emotional while discussing her departure with co-hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent. She expressed, "It's really hard for me to say this because I love my job. I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I've worked with, and of course, all the viewers I've been so engaged with for many years." She humorously added, "But it's great! I don't want to be coming in on my zimmer frame, going, 'I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore!'"
In one of her final appearances this week, Kirkwood received a remarkable tribute while delivering the weather report from RHS Wisley. Tim Upson, the RHS director of gardens and horticulture, surprised her by announcing that the official Met Office weather station at the site would be renamed the Carol Kirkwood Weather Site. Overjoyed, Kirkwood remarked, "Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! How wonderful is that? That is just fabulous!"
Carol Kirkwood's departure marks the end of a significant era for BBC Breakfast, where she has been a familiar and cherished face for nearly three decades. Her plans to prioritize personal time and the heartfelt send-off from colleagues underscore the impact of her long-standing career in broadcasting.
