In an emotional announcement that marks the end of an era for British morning television, BBC weather legend Carol Kirkwood revealed she will be stepping back from her role on BBC Breakfast in April. The presenter, who has been a familiar face on the broadcaster for over a quarter of a century, appeared tearful as she shared the news live on air this Tuesday, following her regular weather bulletin.
A Career Filled with Unforgettable Moments
Since making her debut as the main BBC weather presenter in 2010, Carol Kirkwood's career has been characterised by her warm personality and occasional, endearing mishaps that have endeared her to millions of viewers. Her tenure has seen her report from prestigious events including the Chelsea Flower Show, Wimbledon, and Royal Ascot, often going beyond the standard weather presentation to create memorable television moments.
The Greenwich Park 'Doggers' Incident
One of Carol's most famous bloopers occurred in 2020 during a live broadcast from Greenwich Park in London's southeast. While presenting from the sunny park, she enthusiastically told viewers: "What a view we have. Fabulous! The sun is beating down, we've seen lots of doggers."
The weather presenter quickly corrected herself, adding: "Not doggers of course, there's lots of dog walkers and joggers." The slip of the tongue delighted BBC viewers, with many taking to social media to share their amusement. Carol later apologised on X, writing: "That will teach me to try and say joggers and dog walkers in the same sentence!!! Sorry."
Canine Companions Causing Chaos
Carol has developed something of a reputation for her interactions with dogs during live broadcasts. In 2023, she was dragged across the screen for the third time during a segment from a Guide Dog puppy centre, where three Labrador puppies clambered over her and nibbled her microphone while she maintained her professional composure.
That same year, during a live Wimbledon report, an excitable search dog named Ray sprinted off with a tennis ball, leaving Carol on her hands and knees on the floor. As her co-presenters expressed concern, Carol managed to laugh through the incident, exclaiming: "I can't believe it's happened again! It's the Chelsea Flower Show all over again!"
The Chelsea Flower Show incident from 2021 saw Carol being taken out by a golden Labrador named Flash, who tugged at her lead during a live weather report. Co-presenter Dan Walker famously declared from the studio: "We've got a Kirkwood down! We've got a Kirkwood down! Someone save Carol!"
Technical Troubles and Cheeky Innuendos
In 2019, Carol experienced a technical mishap when the green dress she was wearing merged into the green screen behind her, leaving her as a floating head during a behind-the-scenes shot. She later joked about the incident on social media, stating: "This is why we don't wear green in front of the green screen."
Another memorable moment occurred in 2020 when Carol made a cheeky innuendo while delivering a weather report from the studio. Warning viewers about windy conditions, she advised avoiding tennis as "balls would be blowing everywhere," before quickly clarifying: "TENNIS balls will be flying everywhere." Co-presenter Naga Munchetty was seen struggling to contain her laughter in the studio.
A Legacy of Laughter and Professionalism
Throughout her more than 25 years with the BBC, Carol Kirkwood has demonstrated remarkable professionalism while embracing the unexpected moments that come with live broadcasting. Her ability to laugh at herself and maintain composure during technical glitches, canine interruptions, and accidental innuendos has made her one of Britain's most beloved weather presenters.
As she prepares to step back from her regular BBC Breakfast role, viewers will remember not just her accurate weather forecasts, but the genuine warmth and humour she brought to morning television. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in British broadcasting history, leaving behind a legacy of memorable moments that have become part of the nation's morning routine.
