Carol Kirkwood has offered a rare and heartfelt glimpse into her private life as she reflects on love, loss and fresh beginnings at the age of 63. The BBC weather presenter, who tied the knot with former police officer Steve Randall, 49, in December 2023, has admitted she no longer believes in the idea of a “perfect romance”.

Speaking candidly, Carol said: “I feel sad when relationships break down. I was married before, and we got divorced. That’s always sad. But I don’t think there’s such a thing as the perfect romance — you’re always going to have cross words. That’s just life.”

After her 18-year marriage to property developer Jimmy Kirkwood ended in divorce in 2012, Carol found love again. Reflecting on her second chance at happiness, she said cheekily: “Love is lovelier the second time around. No disrespect to my first husband, but this is better.”

Now looking ahead, Carol has revealed she plans to retire in as little as two years and take off across Europe with Steve — possibly in a camper van. “We fell in love with Majorca when I was researching my novel. Steve and I plan to travel — perhaps next year or the year after. We’ll just get in the car and drive,” she told the Daily Mirror.

Their wedding was an intimate affair in Buckinghamshire with no guests and handwritten vows — and they barely noticed Storm Gerrit raging outside. “When you’re older, you know what you want,” she added.

Despite a 13-year age gap, Carol says it makes no difference to them. “Other people’s opinions don’t matter. I don’t feel like he’s younger than me,” she told Saga Magazine.

The couple’s first meeting was a chance encounter at an event neither wanted to attend. “It was fate,” she said.

With 27 years at the BBC and appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, Carol is ready to close one chapter and begin a new adventure — with the love she never expected to find again.