Carol Kirkwood Announces Final BBC Breakfast Date After 25 Years
BBC weather icon Carol Kirkwood has officially confirmed the date of her last appearance on BBC Breakfast, marking the end of a remarkable tenure spanning more than a quarter of a century with the broadcaster. The beloved presenter, aged 63, revealed live on air that she will bid farewell to viewers on April 1, humorously assuring fans it is not an April Fools' joke.
Emotional Departure Announcement
In a tearful on-screen announcement back in January, Kirkwood shared her decision to leave the series, struggling to articulate the news alongside co-hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay. She expressed deep affection for her role, stating she loves her job but prioritises spending more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall. During the emotional broadcast, Kirkwood admitted, I love my husband more than my job, highlighting the personal motivation behind her departure.
Final Shift and Future Plans
Kirkwood detailed that her last shift will involve eight early starts before she exits, joking that the first thing she will do is throw my alarm in the bin. Reflecting on the bittersweet nature of her exit, she remarked, Oh it's going to be sad... but I'm going to miss you guys and everyone. Her departure follows a career that began in 1998 at the BBC Weather Centre, where she quickly became a familiar face on BBC News and BBC Breakfast, serving as the main weather presenter since 2010.
Career Highlights and Personal Journey
Throughout her decades-long career, Kirkwood has reported from prestigious events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Royal Ascot, often going beyond typical weather reporting duties. Her sunny disposition has endeared her to audiences, even through live broadcast mishaps, such as being dragged by dogs or making humorous gaffes. Born Carol MacKellaig, she previously married property developer Jimmy Kirkwood, with their divorce in 2008 prompting personal growth, as she later told the Radio Times, I found myself when I got divorced.
In December 2023, she wed Steve Randall at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, and the couple now resides in Windsor. Kirkwood has described her husband as tall, handsome, kind, gentle, strong, funny, charming, emphasising her happiness in their relationship. Her career also included a stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she reached week eight with partner Pasha Kovalev, showcasing her versatility beyond weather forecasting.
Industry Recognition and Legacy
Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive at BBC News and Current Affairs, praised Kirkwood's exceptional contribution, noting she set the gold standard for accurate journalism with a consistently sunny outlook. In a written statement, Kirkwood expressed gratitude, saying, It's been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day, and thanked colleagues and viewers for their support over the years. She concluded that while the decision was difficult, it feels like the right moment to step away, leaving behind cherished memories from her time at the BBC.
