Carol Kirkwood has hinted she may return to television after leaving BBC Breakfast. The 64-year-old broadcaster spent 28 years as the BBC's weather presenter and left the corporation in April to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall.
Speaking to Best magazine, Kirkwood said it was "tough" to say goodbye and that she is open to returning for "spells of time" depending on "what was offered". She also revealed that she and Randall, a 50-year-old police officer, have a "dream" BBC game show they would love to take part in.
Game show ambition
Kirkwood said the couple are eager to appear on Celebrity Race Across the World, a show in which teams compete in an epic international race, with one group eventually being crowned the winner.
She joked: "His problem would be getting me out of the toot shops. I'd be saying, 'Oh, look at this fridge magnet!'"
Reflecting on her departure, she added: "I absolutely loved my job and my colleagues, and it was a wrench. But Steve and I wanted to travel. We're both fit and healthy, as far as we know, but we might not be if we wait another 10 years. So it was a case of, 'Right, let's do it.' But it took a long time to decide."
Last day exchanges with Naga Munchetty
Asked if she was "frightened about stepping into the unknown", she replied: "Not really because it took so long to decide that, by the time I did, it felt right. And my writing career was there. The nice thing is I don't get up at 3am anymore!"
Kirkwood's departure was marked by strained onscreen exchanges with her colleague Naga Munchetty on her final day. Munchetty, who has announced she is leaving Breakfast next month, made a series of jokey remarks that some viewers felt were intended to "embarrass" Kirkwood.
Munchetty was one of the only presenters not to make a pre-recorded solo tribute to Kirkwood on her last day. Kirkwood appeared surprised to see her in the studio, saying: "Thank you all for coming - and even you, Nags!"
Munchetty responded with a deadpan expression: "I'm just waiting for the countdown for you to go!" before laughing. She then presented Kirkwood with a weather-themed illustration as a parting gift. Kirkwood said: "I will treasure this! It's going to have pride of place..." as Munchetty interrupted to ask: "In the toilet?"
After a special cake was brought over, Kirkwood quipped: "Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?" Kirkwood replied, "No, Naga, absolutely not - why would I do that?" and Munchetty responded: "Exactly. Why change it? We're only going to remember you one way."
Reaction to the comments
The exchanges led viewers to wonder if the pair had tensions backstage. Sources later said Munchetty's "awkward" and "sly jabs" were poorly timed given the scandals the BBC had faced, including Scott Mills' sacking. Insiders claimed she had made the comments because she "just can't help herself" and said her behaviour had "significantly backfired".
However, a TV insider told The Sun: "Naga and Carol have been very close personal friends for many years, as well as being very good colleagues as part of the BBC Breakfast Team. Everyone involved in Carol Kirkwood's last programme for Breakfast on 1 April was there to pay tribute to Carol's long service for the BBC, and they all did so fittingly."
