Beloved BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has made an emotional announcement that she will be leaving the corporation after more than a quarter of a century. The 63-year-old meteorologist fought back tears during Tuesday morning's broadcast as she revealed her decision to depart in April, explaining that she wants to prioritise time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall.
A Tearful Farewell on Air
During the live broadcast from the BBC Breakfast studios in Salford, Greater Manchester, Kirkwood became visibly emotional as she shared the news with co-presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay. "I love my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job," she told viewers, adding "We're ships that pass in the night so I'm so looking forward to spending more time together."
The announcement followed immediately after the latest weather update on Storm Chandra, creating a poignant contrast between professional duties and personal revelation. Kirkwood had kept her departure plans secret from colleagues and friends alike, making the on-air moment particularly emotional.
New Priorities: Marriage and Adventure
Kirkwood, who married Randall in December 2023 at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, described how their conflicting schedules meant they spent minimal time together. She had previously revealed to Saga Magazine that they sometimes managed just 90 minutes together daily due to her early morning broadcasting commitments.
The couple, who have a 13-year age gap that Kirkwood has jokingly referred to as "punching" above her weight, plan to embark on extensive travel adventures. "Steve and I plan to escape and travel for some time when we retire, perhaps in a year or two," she told the magazine, envisioning camper van journeys through Europe.
A Career Spanning Decades
Kirkwood's BBC journey began in 1998 when she joined the BBC Weather Centre, having previously worked as a production secretary and assistant on BBC Breakfast itself. Her career path took an unexpected turn when she auditioned for The Weather Channel's UK edition and subsequently received training from both the BBC and Met Office.
Her professional highlights include:
- Becoming the main weather presenter for BBC Breakfast in 2010
- Reporting from prestigious events including Wimbledon, Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot
- Competing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 with professional partner Pasha Kovalev
- Receiving numerous industry awards for her broadcasting work
Post-BBC Plans and Personal Reflections
Beyond travel plans with her husband, Kirkwood intends to focus on her writing career, having already published five novels. She described Randall as "tall, handsome, kind, gentle, strong, funny, charming" in an interview with House Beautiful magazine, adding "If he's at home, I'm happy. I don't need anything else."
The presenter reflected on how personal challenges, including her divorce from property developer Jimmy Kirkwood in 2008 after nearly two decades of marriage, ultimately led to personal growth. "I found myself when I got divorced," she told Radio Times, explaining how it encouraged her to embrace new experiences including flying with the Red Arrows and skydiving with the Red Devils.
Collegiate Support and Industry Recognition
Following her emotional announcement, Kirkwood was comforted by co-presenters Nugent and Kay, who offered tissues and warm hugs live on air. The trio later posed for photographs outside the Salford studios, with Kirkwood battling a BBC Breakfast umbrella against heavy rain while smiling broadly in a long white coat.
Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive at BBC News and Current Affairs, paid tribute to Kirkwood's contribution: "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 audiences' lives, she has set the gold standard for our accurate, valued journalism."
In her own written statement, Kirkwood expressed gratitude to colleagues and viewers: "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!" She acknowledged that while the decision wasn't easy, "it feels like the right moment to step away."
The veteran presenter's final broadcasts will continue through April, marking the end of an era for one of British television's most recognisable and beloved weather forecasters.
