BBC presenter Isa Guha paid tribute to former weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who is not featuring during the broadcaster's Wimbledon coverage for the first time this year. Tens of thousands of tennis enthusiasts will descend upon SW19 over the coming fortnight as the Wimbledon Championships get under way once again.
Guha Leads Tributes to Kirkwood
Guha returned to front the BBC's early morning coverage on Monday (June 29), alongside Tim Henman and Anne Keothavong. However, one much-loved BBC stalwart will not be joining them in the broadcaster's line-up this year. Kirkwood, who has traditionally provided weather updates throughout the Championships, will be absent from screens after stepping down from her role on BBC Breakfast back in April. Following a remarkable 28-year career, Carol announced her retirement to concentrate on her marriage and travelling the world.
Guha paid a warm tribute to Kirkwood just minutes into Wimbledon's opening coverage on Monday, saying: "Now, this is normally the time in the show that we head across to Carol Kirkwood for a British weather update, especially here in the sunshine. It would have been great to see her, but after 28 years on BBC Breakfast, Carol has moved on. So, we wish you all the best, Carol. Hopefully you've got your feet up on the sofa with a cup of tea to enjoy the tennis this week."
Rotating Weather Presenters Fill In
Confirming Kirkwood's replacements, Guha continued: "Of course, there isn't one presenter who could replace Carol, so we're going to have a selection of BBC weather's finest over the two weeks, including today with Matt Taylor." Taylor, who was standing outside the training courts, then said: "Morning Isa. Absolute pleasure to be here, even if we are missing Carol. But I suspect eagle-eyed viewers may be able to spot her in the crowd somewhere today indulging in a love of tennis right here at Wimbledon itself." While Kirkwood soaks up the tennis, she will be replaced by a rotating roster of BBC weather presenters, expected to include Sarah Keith-Lucas, Elizabeth Rizzini, Tomasz Schafernaker, and Helen Willetts.
Wimbledon Highlights
There is plenty to look forward to at this year's Wimbledon, with American icon Serena Williams set to make a headline-grabbing singles return after a four-year absence from the sport. She will also revive her celebrated doubles partnership with her elder sister, Venus. British great Andy Murray is likewise back at the scene of one of his finest achievements, this time as part of Jack Draper's coaching set-up. Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, where he will face fierce competition from reigning World Number One Jannik Sinner.
