BBC viewers, still adjusting to the emotional departure announcement of beloved weather legend Carol Kirkwood, found themselves in a fresh state of surprise during Wednesday evening's broadcast. The focus shifted dramatically as presenter Lizzie Razzini, delivering the forecast on the Six O'Clock News, appeared to offer a glimpse of black lace stockings, sending social media platforms into a veritable frenzy.
A Glimpse That Captivated Viewers
The 49-year-old weather presenter, clad in a sleek denim zip-up dress paired with glamorous beige, studded heels, was discussing the upcoming meteorological outlook. However, it was a suggestive hint of a dark band around the upper part of her leg that truly captured the audience's attention, plunging online commentators into a heated debate over the nature of the 'racy' display.
Social Media Erupts With Humour and Speculation
The reaction on platform X was immediate and filled with humorous hyperbole. One viewer quipped, 'All the dads have had to have a lie-down in a darkened room whilst they recover,' while another expressed mock astonishment, stating they had 'never seen stocking tops on the BBC before.' A further comment added, 'Certainly brightens up dull weather.'
Yet, amidst the hundreds of reactions, a counter-narrative emerged from some female viewers who proposed more mundane explanations. 'Sorry to rain on your parade but suspect they are cycling shorts or thermals,' one user rationally explained. 'Never seen natural covered stockings with black tops.' Another suggested the band could simply be a technical thigh strap used to secure a microphone pack during the live broadcast.
The Shadow of a Departing Icon
This incident arrives in the poignant wake of Carol Kirkwood's tearful announcement just a day prior. The 63-year-old Met Office-trained presenter, a fixture for over 25 years, struggled to compose herself on BBC Breakfast as she revealed her departure scheduled for April. 'So, I'm going to be leaving - and it's really hard, really hard for me to say this because I love my job,' she emotionally stated.
Kirkwood, hailing from Morar on Scotland's west coast, joked about not wanting to present 'in my Zimmer frame' and expressed a desire to spend more time with her new husband, police officer Steve Randall, whom she married in late 2023. 'We only got married a couple of years ago and we're ships that pass in the night so I'm so looking forward to doing that,' she said, outlining plans to travel and focus on her novel writing.
A Career of Memorable Moments
Carol Kirkwood's celebrated BBC career has been defined by her sunny disposition and memorable reports from events like Wimbledon and Royal Ascot. Her ability to laugh off live broadcast mishaps, including being pulled over by dogs and a famous 'doggers' gaffe, has endeared her to millions. Her colleagues, presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, offered tissues and hugs following her emotional announcement, with Sally light-heartedly noting the benefit of future 'lie ins.'
As the broadcaster navigates this period of transition, the unexpected focus on Lizzie Razzini's wardrobe choice underscores how even the most routine segments can capture the public imagination, proving that in the world of television news, the forecast isn't the only thing capable of causing a storm.