Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has signed off from BBC Breakfast after 28 years, describing her time on the programme as a 'privilege and honour'. The 62-year-old announced in January that she would be leaving the BBC One show to travel and spend more time with her husband Steve.
During her final broadcast on Wednesday, Kirkwood was showered with tributes from viewers, colleagues and celebrities. Presenter Sally Nugent told her she had 'changed the way that weather is reported on television'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also sent a video message, praising her 'truly remarkable career' and 'sunny disposition'.
In a heartfelt goodbye, Kirkwood said: 'Thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow, to the everyday question of do I need to take a brolly?' She added: 'For once I don't have a detailed forecast, but I do know this – it's time for a new chapter.'
Kirkwood was greeted on set by guide dog Flash, who famously pulled her over during a live report from the Chelsea Flower Show in 2021. She also met Larry the Cat at 10 Downing Street. Her colleagues presented her with a Little Miss Sunshine framed picture, a cake and a standing ovation.
Her husband Steve joined her on the red sofa at the end, joking that the 'first thing to go' would be her 02:30 AM alarm clock. Kirkwood said she was looking forward to 'spending a bit more time with Steve, and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it'.
Reflecting on her career highlights, she mentioned reporting from Wimbledon, Royal Ascot and the poppies at the Tower of London. Nugent remarked: 'When you go to an event with Carol, it is a little bit like going to an event with The Queen.'
