BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has teased her future plans (Picture: BBC)
After more than a quarter of a century as one of Britain’s most trusted television faces, Carol Kirkwood has confirmed she is leaving the BBC — and the reason, she admits, is deeply personal.
The much-loved BBC Breakfast weather presenter, 63, fought back tears as she announced live on air that she will step away from the broadcaster in April, revealing she wants to prioritise life with her husband after years of early starts and relentless schedules.
“I Love My Husband More Than My Job”
The author revealed she plans to focus on her writing in her retirement (Picture: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
Sitting on the iconic red sofa alongside presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, Carol delivered her news moments after finishing her regular forecast — visibly emotional as she spoke.
“So I’m going to be leaving,” she said.
“It’s really hard — really hard — for me to say this.
Carol previously admitted she feared being axed in the next 10 years (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
“I love my job. I love you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with. And of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years.”
Struggling to keep her composure, Carol added:
“I didn’t want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly.”
Choosing Love — And a Life Beyond Early Mornings
Carol went on to explain that her decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023.
“I want to spend more time with my gorgeous husband, Steve,” she said.
“We’re ships that pass in the night, so I’m really looking forward to doing that. We want to travel as well.s“I’ve loved my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC — but I love my husband more than my job.”
Injecting humour through the emotion, she joked:
“I don’t want to be coming in on my Zimmer frame going, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!’”
A Career That Defined British Mornings
Carol, who grew up in Morar on Scotland’s west coast, joined the BBC in 1998 and has been a fixture on BBC Breakfast since 2010.
Over the years, she has covered major national moments and iconic events including Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot, becoming one of the most recognisable weather presenters in the country.
Her work at the BBC has extended beyond breakfast television, with regular appearances on The One Show, and a memorable turn on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she reached week seven alongside professional partner Pasha Kovalev.
“An Absolute Privilege”
In a separate written statement released by the BBC, Carol reflected on her long career with warmth and gratitude.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day,” she said.
“My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute.“From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and programmes across the BBC.
“I’d like to thank them for their support and friendship which has meant the world.”
Addressing viewers directly, she added:
“And to those watching and listening at home — thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years. Being part of your mornings has been a joy.”
She concluded:
“This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away. I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.”
BBC Pays Tribute
The BBC praised Carol’s legacy in a statement, with interim director of BBC News and Current Affairs Jonathan Munro saying:
“Carol’s contribution to BBC News and BBC Weather has been exceptional.
“From major national moments to the everyday forecasts that are such an important part of our audience’s lives, she has set the gold standard for accurate, valued journalism — always delivered with an appropriately sunny outlook.
“She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC. We wish her all the best for the future.”
The End of an Era
For millions of viewers, Carol Kirkwood has been more than a weather presenter — she has been a constant, reassuring presence through decades of change, triumph and uncertainty.
As she prepares to say her final goodbye this spring, breakfast television will look and feel very different — marking the end of an era shaped by warmth, professionalism and a familiar smile.