Carol Kirkwood has presented her final weather forecast for the BBC, bringing an end to a near three-decade career with the broadcaster. The 63-year-old signed off from BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, prompting tributes from viewers and colleagues including presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.
Her last bulletin unfolded much like any other she has delivered over the past 28 years, advising viewers to brace for cold and blustery conditions. After she finished, Nugent and Kay broke into applause, describing the forecast as “perfect”. Nugent told her: “You have changed the way that weather is reported on television.”
Reflecting on her time with the BBC, Kirkwood highlighted moments including Wimbledon, the poppies installation at the Tower of London, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot. She said she had met countless people who had become “good true friends” over the years. Asked whether the reality of leaving had sunk in, she admitted: “Not at all, I think I'm in denial, I'll probably rock up on Monday. I'm going to miss everyone horribly.”
Her departure was first announced in January, with Kirkwood explaining she hoped to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023. Describing the decision as difficult but timely, she said: “I'll carry with me the most wonderful memories.” On leaving behind early starts, she joked: “What is a lie in? I have no idea. Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past.”
Tributes also came from former BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid, who sent a message from the Good Morning Britain studio, recalling a humorous moment when Kirkwood mistakenly forecast temperatures of 99 degrees Celsius. Kirkwood was also reunited with Flash, the dog that once famously pulled her off screen during a live broadcast.
Speaking previously about her departure, Kirkwood said she “can’t believe this day has come” and described it as “the right moment to step away”. She added: “My job is something I've never taken for granted and I've loved every minute.” Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998 and became the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast in 2010.
