Beloved BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has made the emotional announcement that she will be leaving the broadcaster in April 2026, bringing to a close a remarkable television career spanning nearly three decades.
A Surprising Career Revelation
During an appearance on Gaby Roslin's Reasons To Be Joyful podcast, Kirkwood revealed that her path to becoming one of Britain's most recognisable weather forecasters was entirely unplanned. "Not at all," she responded when asked if her television career followed a deliberate strategy. "I wanted to be a Blue Peter presenter because it looked so much fun."
The 63-year-old presenter shared the ironic twist in her career journey, explaining that while she never achieved her childhood ambition of presenting Blue Peter, she did spend twelve years working in the iconic Blue Peter garden. "Things happen by accident," she reflected. "I was in the right place at the right time."
Emotional Farewell Announcement
Kirkwood made her departure announcement following her regular weather segment on Tuesday, January 27, telling BBC Breakfast presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent: "I didn't want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly."
The Scottish presenter, who joined BBC News as a weather presenter in April 1998 after working at The Weather Channel, described her time with the corporation as "an absolute privilege." Since 2010, she has served as the principal weather presenter on BBC Breakfast, delivering forecasts to millions of viewers each morning.
Prioritising Personal Life
Kirkwood cited her desire to spend more quality time with her husband Steve Randall as the primary reason for her decision. "I want to spend more time with my gorgeous husband Steve," she explained. "We only got married a couple of years ago and we've been ships that pass in the night, so I'm really looking forward to doing that. We want to travel as well."
In a heartfelt admission, she added: "I've loved my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job." Steve Randall is Kirkwood's second husband, following her separation from property developer Jimmy Kirkwood in 2008.
Beyond Weather Forecasting
Throughout her extensive BBC career, Kirkwood has become known for much more than just weather presenting. Her professional highlights include:
- Reporting from prestigious events including Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and numerous Royal occasions
- Showcasing her dancing abilities on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she finished in 10th place partnered with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev
- Becoming a familiar and trusted presence in British households through her daily Breakfast appearances
Looking to the Future
When questioned about the prospect of abandoning her early morning routine, Kirkwood joked: "What is a lie in? I have no idea. Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past."
Despite the excitement about her new chapter, Kirkwood acknowledged the difficulty of her decision. "This hasn't been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away," she admitted. "I'll carry with me the most wonderful memories."
As she prepares to conclude her nearly thirty-year tenure with the BBC in April 2026, Kirkwood leaves behind a legacy as one of British television's most enduring and popular weather presenters, whose career journey proved that sometimes the most successful paths are those we never planned to take.
