Long-serving BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood was visibly emotional as she announced her decision to step down from the corporation after more than a quarter of a century. The 63-year-old broadcaster fought back tears during Tuesday morning's programme as she revealed she would be leaving in April, marking the end of an era for one of British television's most familiar meteorological faces.
Emotional Announcement on Breakfast Sofa
Presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay invited Kirkwood to join them on the sofa immediately after she had delivered one of her regular weather segments. Sitting alongside her colleagues, an emotional Kirkwood explained her difficult decision to depart. "So I'm going to be leaving," she told viewers. "It's really hard – really hard – for me to say this. 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."
A Quarter Century of Broadcasting
Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998 and has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010, becoming a beloved fixture of morning television. Her career has seen her report from numerous major events including Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot, where she became known for her cheerful delivery of Britain's famously changeable forecasts.
In a characteristically humorous moment during her announcement, Kirkwood joked about her longevity in the role: "I don't want to be coming in on my zimmer frame, going 'I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore'." The remark highlighted the warm, personable style that has endeared her to millions of viewers across the nation.
Personal Reasons Behind the Decision
Kirkwood explained that personal considerations played a significant role in her decision to step away from her demanding schedule. She expressed her desire to spend more time with her husband Steve, to whom she was married just a couple of years ago. "We're ships that pass in the night," she noted about their current lifestyle. "So I'm so looking forward to doing that."
The presenter also revealed plans for travel and joked about the unfamiliar concept of a lie-in after years of early morning broadcasts, asking: "What is a lie-in? I have no idea!" Her comments highlighted the demanding nature of breakfast television schedules that require presenters to rise in the early hours to prepare for live broadcasts.
Official Statement and Industry Recognition
In an official statement released by the BBC, Kirkwood reflected on her career with gratitude: "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 thanked colleagues across BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and various programmes, as well as the viewing public for their kindness over the years.
Kirkwood's meteorological training included stints at The Weather Channel and the Met Office before joining the BBC. Her excellence has been recognised repeatedly by the Television and Radio Industries Club, where she has been named best TV weather presenter on multiple occasions. Beyond weather presenting, she showcased her versatility in 2015 when she competed in Strictly Come Dancing, reaching week eight alongside professional partner Pasha Kovalev.
Industry Tributes and Legacy
Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive at BBC News and Current Affairs, paid tribute to Kirkwood's exceptional 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 audience's lives, she has set the gold standard for our accurate, valued journalism – always delivered with an appropriately sunny outlook."
Munro added that Kirkwood "will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC" and extended best wishes for her future. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in British broadcasting, with her final BBC Breakfast appearance scheduled for April before she begins a new phase focused on personal priorities after more than 25 years of dedicated service.
