'End of an era': Why BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood is leaving the corporation after 27 years
She fought back tears as she announced the news this morning
Carol Kirkwood has announced that she is leaving the BBC in April, 27 years after joining the corporation.
In a statement released earlier today (January 27), it was announced that Carol – perhaps best known for presenting the weather on Breakfast – will leave in April.
She announced the news on BBC Breakfast today, fighting back tears as she spoke to co-host Sally Nugent.
Carol Kirkwood statement as she leaves the BBC
In a statement, Carol said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day. 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.
“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. 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.”
Why Carol Kirkwood is leaving the BBC
Speaking on the show, she fought back tears and said: “So, I’m going to be leaving – and it’s really hard, really hard for me to say this because I love my job. But it’s great – I don’t want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying: ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!'”
Carol, 63, then revealed what she’ll be doing with all that free time. The weather presenter said she’ll be spending more time with her husband, Steve Randall, who she married at the end of 2023.
“We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night so I’m so looking forward to doing that,” she said. Carol added that they hope to travel and she plans to write more novels.
She added: “I love my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job.”
Friends and viewers react
Dan Walker, who worked with Carol for years, declared: “End of an era.”
Victoria Derbyshire declared: “Nooooooooo!”
Meanwhile, viewers also shared their sadness over her departure. One said: “Carol Kirkwood will always be the best weather presenter. Always brightens my day she always smiles and explains storms, will miss her so much.” Another added: “Carol Kirkwood retiring? The only forecast left is clouds and tears.”
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