Carol Kirkwood has officially retired from her role as a BBC Breakfast weather presenter after 28 years, with the 1 April broadcast marking her final appearance. The 61-year-old announced her departure in January, describing it as the 'right moment' to step away.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Kirkwood revealed that the early morning shifts had become increasingly difficult, particularly during winter months. 'It's not too bad in the summer but the winter months are torture,' she said, adding that she had suffered from a low-grade version of jet lag for years. On 2 April, she threw her alarm clock in the bin.
Kirkwood married Steve Randall in 2023, and she cited a desire to spend more quality time with him as a key reason for leaving. 'I've loved my job but I love my husband more, and now I want us to be more than ships that pass in the night,' she said. Reflecting on her first marriage to Jimmy Kirkwood, which ended in 2008 after 25 years, she noted, 'Whoever said that love is lovelier the second time around got it dead right.'
Looking ahead, Kirkwood plans to travel with her husband, including visits to the Italian Lakes, Route 66, Graceland, Nashville, and Dollywood, as well as a return trip to Australia. She received an emotional on-air send-off from colleagues Nina Warhurst and Naga Munchetty, and was surprised by her husband live on air.
In her final forecast, Kirkwood addressed viewers: 'You've been the constant in all of this and I've never taken you for granted.'
