Carol Kirkwood Announces Emotional Departure from BBC Breakfast After 25 Years
In a deeply moving moment on Tuesday morning's broadcast, BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood announced her departure from the programme after an impressive 25-year tenure. The beloved meteorologist became visibly emotional as she delivered the news live on air, choking back tears during what she described as a heartfelt farewell to viewers and colleagues.
Sally Nugent Leads Touching Tributes on Social Media
Shortly after the on-air announcement, fellow presenter Sally Nugent interrupted the regular programming to acknowledge her colleague's emotional revelation. Nugent then took to Instagram to share a poignant tribute, posting a touching montage featuring memorable moments and snapshots from Kirkwood's extensive BBC Breakfast journey.
In the caption accompanying her emotional post, Nugent wrote: "Carol has been a part of all our lives on BBC Breakfast for more than two decades. And this morning, she has announced she will be leaving us in April."
Nugent continued with a personal anecdote that highlighted their long-standing professional relationship and friendship: "We first worked together many years ago on a snowy hillside in Hampshire. Carol was doing the weather I was doing the news. I turned up without a coat. Carol had a spare. And hand warmers. And two flasks of tea to share. She's looked after me ever since!"
Outpouring of Support from Colleagues and Viewers
The tribute sparked an immediate and overwhelming response from Sally Nugent's Instagram followers, with fellow broadcasters and fans alike expressing their affection and support for Kirkwood.
- Broadcaster Eamonn Holmes commented: "Missing you already, Carol xxx."
- Presenter Steph McGovern expressed her sentiments through a string of heart emojis
- One devoted fan wrote: "You are such a wonderful team on Breakfast, please pass on best wishes to Carol for a beautiful future"
- Another viewer added: "Sally, you are so right, 'Our Carol' as we have always called her is an absolute star, and the weather just won't be the same"
Kirkwood's Heartfelt Reflections on Her BBC Breakfast Journey
Sitting alongside Sally Nugent and Jon Kay on the programme's famous red sofa, Carol Kirkwood described her time on BBC Breakfast as an "absolute privilege" that she had never taken for granted.
She told her co-stars: "My job is something I've never taken for granted, and I've loved every minute. From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I've shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and programmes across the BBC."
Kirkwood continued with gratitude for both her colleagues and the viewing public: "I'd like to thank them for their support and friendship, which has meant the world. To those watching and listening at home - thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy."
Looking Ahead to New Adventures
In her Instagram tribute, Sally Nugent revealed that Kirkwood is looking forward to new chapters in her life, including spending more time with her husband Steve and continuing her work as an author. Nugent wrote: "We have laughed (a lot) through life's dramas, sunny holidays, and broken TV graphics. And now she's off for adventures with her gorgeous husband Steve and to write more of her brilliant books."
Nugent concluded her emotional message by stating: "I will miss her in the mornings. But I cannot wait for Carol's next chapter." The departure marks the end of an era for BBC Breakfast, with Kirkwood's final broadcast scheduled for April after her remarkable quarter-century contribution to the programme.
BBC Breakfast continues to air every morning at 6am on BBC One, though viewers will soon bid farewell to one of the programme's most familiar and beloved faces.
