Carol Kirkwood Presents Final BBC Breakfast Weather Forecast After Three Decades
Carol Kirkwood has delivered her last weather forecast on BBC Breakfast, concluding a remarkable thirty-year tenure with the broadcaster that left fans and colleagues emotional. The 63-year-old presenter, who announced her departure in January with a tearful on-screen statement, held her composure during her final broadcast on Wednesday, April 1, despite heartfelt tributes from fellow BBC stars.
Emotional Farewell and Tributes from Colleagues
During her final appearance, Kirkwood joined co-hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay in the studio, smiling as she detailed the week's weather outlook. At the broadcast's conclusion, Nugent and Kay thanked her for providing forecasts that would allow them to continue referencing "Carol's weather" even after her departure. Nugent praised Kirkwood for transforming weather reporting on television, noting her work from major events like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show.
The BBC aired two tribute videos featuring messages from numerous celebrities, including Sue Barker, Vicky McClure, Paul Merton, Zoe Ball, Clare Balding, Chris Evans, and Sir Chris Hoy. A second compilation included Charlie Stayt, Louise Minchin, Sian Williams, Susanna Reid, and Dan Walker, who described Kirkwood as "lovely, kind and caring." They highlighted her as a "ray of sunshine" who brought smiles to the nation, predicting audiences would deeply miss her presence.
In a surprising moment, Kirkwood received a video message from musician Bryan Adams, who thanked her for "all the great weather reports over the years," leaving her visibly shocked and delighted. Reflecting on the tributes, Kirkwood expressed gratitude for the friendships she had formed, calling her colleagues "genuinely lovely people."
Viewer Reactions and Personal Reflections
Jon Kay read out viewer messages that poured in, with one noting, "We're going to miss Carol so much, she rarely misses Shetland in the forecast and we always appreciate that." Another viewer described her as "a steady presence for us in a chaotic world," while others on social media called her a "national treasure" and an "icon" whose smile brightened every forecast.
Kirkwood admitted she was in denial about leaving, joking that she might "rock up on Monday" out of habit. She expressed sadness at no longer speaking to the audience or seeing the crew, both on and off camera, stating, "It's going to be different and I'm going to miss everyone horribly."
Career Highlights and Personal Journey
The trio revisited Kirkwood's career, which began as a production assistant on BBC Breakfast before she became the resident meteorologist for three decades. In March, she confirmed her last shift would be on April 1, humorously noting it was not an April Fools' joke and that she planned to "throw my alarm in the bin" after her final early starts.
In January, Kirkwood broke down while announcing her departure, explaining she "loved her husband more than her job." She joked about not wanting to present "in my Zimmer frame" and emphasized her desire to spend more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall, whom she married in December 2023. She kept her departure secret from friends and colleagues, adding, "I love my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job."
Her career has been marked by memorable moments, including reporting from events like Royal Ascot and the Tower of London poppies display. Kirkwood's sunny disposition helped her laugh off live broadcast mishaps, such as being dragged by dogs or accidentally calling dog-walkers "doggers." After training with The Weather Channel in the US and the Met Office, she joined the BBC Weather Centre in 1998, quickly becoming a familiar face on BBC News and BBC Breakfast.
Personal Life and Future Plans
Born Carol MacKellaig, she was previously married to property developer Jimmy Kirkwood, with their 2008 divorce prompting personal growth. She told Radio Times, "I found myself when I got divorced," embracing new experiences like flying with the Red Arrows. She now lives in Windsor with her husband Steve, whom she described as "tall, handsome, kind, gentle, strong, funny, charming" in an interview with House Beautiful magazine.
In a written statement, Kirkwood called leaving "an absolute privilege" and thanked colleagues and viewers for their kindness. Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive at BBC News and Current Affairs, praised her "exceptional contribution" and "gold standard" journalism, noting she will be greatly missed. BBC Breakfast airs weekdays from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
