Carol Kirkwood, the beloved weather presenter, has bid an emotional farewell to BBC Breakfast after an impressive three-decade tenure with the broadcaster. The 63-year-old delivered her final weather forecast on Wednesday, April 1, struggling to hold back tears as she concluded a remarkable chapter in her broadcasting career.
Emotional On-Screen Departure
Kirkwood announced her departure back in January during a tearful on-screen moment with co-stars Sally Nugent and Jon Kay. She explained that while she "loves her job," she was eager to spend more quality time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall. During her final broadcast, Steve joined her in the studio, presenting a large bouquet of flowers from himself and the BBC team.
Future Plans Revealed
The couple revealed their upcoming plans, with Kirkwood stating: "Lots of travels, we've got lots of things planned. We're really looking forward to watching Matt in the morning saying the weather is going to be rubbish! And we will say, 'Let's head off in the car somewhere'." Steve, 49, added enthusiastically: "It's going to be the best ever [having Carol at home more], and the first thing to go is the alarm clock. That can go!"
Colleague Tributes and Viewer Messages
The BBC prepared emotional video tributes featuring numerous colleagues and celebrities, including Sue Barker, Vicky McClure, Paul Merton, Zoe Ball, Clare Balding, Chris Evans, and Sir Chris Hoy. A second tribute video featured Charlie Stayt, Louise Minchin, Sian Williams, Susanna Reid, and Dan Walker praising Kirkwood as "lovely, kind and caring."
Sally Nugent and Jon Kay surprised Kirkwood with a special message from musician Bryan Adams, who thanked her for "all the great weather reports over the years." Viewers flooded social media with heartfelt messages, with one writing: "We're going to miss Carol so much, she rarely misses Shetland in the forecast and we always appreciate that." Another added: "Your smile has brightened up every forecast no matter what the weather."
Career Reflections
Kirkwood reflected on her 28-year career as a BBC weather presenter: "After 28 years as a BBC weather presenter, tracking storms, chasing sunshine, and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I'm saying goodbye. When I first walked into this studio, I could never have imagined what was ahead."
She continued emotionally: "This job has given me so much more than a career, it's given me memories I'll carry forever. Friendships I treasure deeply. It's time for a new chapter, a bit more time with Steve, and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it."
Personal Journey and Background
Kirkwood began her BBC career as a production assistant on BBC Breakfast before training with The Weather Channel in the US and later with the BBC and Met Office. She joined the BBC Weather Centre in 1998, becoming a familiar face to millions. Her career highlights include reporting from major events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot, and the Tower of London poppies installation.
Born Carol MacKellaig, she was previously married to property developer Jimmy Kirkwood before their separation in 2008. She married Steve Randall in December 2023 at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, and the couple now resides in Windsor. Kirkwood told House Beautiful magazine in July 2024: "If he's at home, I'm happy. I don't need anything else. He's tall, handsome, kind, gentle, strong, funny, charming."
Industry Recognition
Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive at BBC News and Current Affairs, praised Kirkwood's contribution: "Carol's contribution to BBC News and BBC Weather has been exceptional. From major national moments to the everyday forecasts that are such an important part of our audiences' lives, she has set the gold standard for our accurate, valued journalism - always delivered with an appropriately sunny outlook."
Kirkwood's sparkling personality earned her widespread recognition, including a place on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 where she reached week eight with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. Her final broadcast marked the end of an era for BBC Breakfast, with colleagues and viewers alike expressing how much she will be missed.
