BBC viewers, still processing the emotional departure of beloved weather legend Carol Kirkwood, found themselves in a fresh whirlwind of surprise last night. Presenter Lizzie Rizzini, during her segment on the Six O'Clock News, appeared to offer a glimpse of black lace stockings, sending social media platforms into a frenzy of speculation and humour.
A Glimpse That Captured Attention
The 49-year-old weather presenter was dressed in a sleek denim zip-up dress paired with glamorous beige, studded heels as she delivered the forecast. However, it was a suggestive hint of a black band around the top of her leg that became the focal point for viewers tuning in at home.
This seemingly minor detail plunged online communities into a heated debate over what exactly was on display. Hundreds of comments flooded social media, with many users joking about the unexpected turn of events during the typically straightforward weather report.
Social Media Erupts with Humour and Speculation
One viewer quipped on X, 'All the dads have had to have a lie-down in a darkened room whilst they recover,' highlighting the light-hearted shock that rippled through the audience. Another added, 'Certainly brightens up dull weather,' while a third remarked they had never 'seen stocking tops on the BBC before.'
Yet, amidst the playful banter, some women offered more practical explanations, suggesting the reality might be far less scandalous. One commenter pointed out, 'Sorry to rain on your parade but suspect they are cycling shorts or thermals. Never seen natural covered stockings with black tops.' Another theory proposed it could have been a technical thigh strap used to secure her microphone during the broadcast.
Elsewhere, a nostalgic note was struck with a comment reading, 'There is life after Carol Kirkwood,' linking the incident to the recent announcement of Kirkwood's departure from the BBC after more than 25 years.
Context: Carol Kirkwood's Emotional Farewell
This social media storm comes hot on the heels of a significant moment for BBC Breakfast. On Tuesday, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood fought back tears as she revealed she will leave the network in April. The 63-year-old, struggling to get her words out, announced the news immediately after delivering updates on Storm Chandra.
Met Office-trained Carol choked up as she joined presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay on the sofa, stating, '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 humorously added, 'But it's great - I don't want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, "I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore!"'
Looking Ahead to New Beginnings
Carol, who hails from Morar on the west coast of Scotland near the Isle of Skye, plans to spend more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall, whom she married at the end of 2023. She explained, '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,' noting hopes to travel and dedicate more time to writing novels, having already published five.
Remarkably, Carol had kept her departure secret from everyone, including friends and colleagues at BBC Breakfast. With a smile, she concluded, 'I love my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job.' As she finished, Sally held her hand and Jon reached for tissues, both offering tight hugs in a touching moment of camaraderie.
A Legacy of Memorable Broadcasting
Carol Kirkwood's BBC career has been marked by memorable moments that extended beyond the weather clicker. She has reported from prestigious events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Royal Ascot for BBC Breakfast, where she has served as the main weather presenter since 2010.
Her sunny disposition has seen her laugh through various live broadcasting challenges, from being dragged to the ground by dogs to laughing off a gaffe where she mistakenly referred to dog-walkers in Greenwich Park as 'doggers'. As Sally Nugent joked during her farewell, 'There's one important thing that we haven't mentioned, which is that you are going to get a lie in.'
In the wake of Kirkwood's emotional exit, Lizzie Rizzini's unexpected moment has provided a lively, if controversial, talking point for viewers, blending humour, speculation, and a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of television presentation.
