Carol Kirkwood, the beloved weather presenter of BBC Breakfast, has announced she is leaving the BBC after more than 25 years. The 63-year-old made the emotional announcement during Tuesday's episode of the programme, telling presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent that the decision was not easy but felt right.
Kirkwood said she has “loved every minute” of her time at the corporation and thanked colleagues and viewers for their support. She joked that she did not want to be “coming in on a zimmer frame going, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore’.”
BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent paid tribute to Kirkwood on Instagram, saying she would miss her but was looking forward to her “next chapter” with her husband Steve and her writing. Fans also expressed sadness, with one writing: “You are such a part of our mornings and they just won’t be the same without you.”
Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998 and became the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast in 2010. She has covered major events like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show, and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015.
Jonathan Munro, interim CEO of BBC News, praised Kirkwood for setting “the gold standard” for accurate, valued journalism. “She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC,” he said.
