Carol Kirkwood has revealed the real reason why she is leaving BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)
Carol Kirkwood has shared the real reason why she is leaving BBC Breakfast – and her husband is playing a pivotal role in her choice. On Tuesday (January 27), the BBC presenter struggled to hold back tears on the red sofa as she revealed she is finally bidding farewell to the corporation. The beloved 63-year-old weather forecaster told viewers: “I am going to be leaving.
“It’s really, really hard for me to say this. I love my job. I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I work with, and, of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s great. I don’t want to be coming in with my Zimmer frame when I can’t reach the northern Isles anymore.”
She continued: “I’m going to be spending more time with Steve, my gorgeous husband, we have been married a couple of years ago, but we are like ships passing in the night, so I’m so looking forward to doing that.”
“I’ve still got my books, you know, I’ve got a few other bits and pieces. I want to travel. We want to travel as well.” As her voice started to crack whilst sitting alongside Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, she confessed: “I didn’t want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly, so I am sorry I did.”
Carol tied the knot to partner Steve back in December 2023, after revealing her engagement at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2022. Steve has consistently remained out of the spotlight, away from her professional commitments.
Although the broadcaster has kept many details about Steve private, including refusing to confirm his surname, she previously told Prima Magazine that he was “extremely handsome” and “always making me laugh”, reports the Mirror.
Carol Kirkwood married husband Steve in 2023 (Image: Getty)
She continued: “He always makes me a cup of tea before I go to work in the morning, which is very romantic – it’s 2.45am!” Making reference to him once more during her farewell interview on BBC Breakfast, she declared emotionally: “I love my job. I’ve loved working at the BBC. But I love my husband more than my job. More than anyone!”
Carol started working at BBC Breakfast during its initial launch as a production secretary, then progressed to production assistant, before returning as a presenter 28 years ago. Therefore, she expressed particular excitement about sleeping in, since her alarm currently goes off at dawn.
She joked: “What is a lie in? Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past! Travelling, writing books. You know, the future is rosy and the time is right, absolutely right for me to go, so new beginnings for everyone.”
Carol confessed she has been considering this choice for quite some time, and will depart our screens “around Easter sometime”, though it has remained strictly confidential from numerous colleagues.
The meteorologist struggled to hold back tears on the show (Image: BBC )
Presenter Sally Nugent clarified: “We should just put that this is everybody finding out now. So there are people in this room finding out now. There are people on our production team just outside the studio who are finding out now. It has been a while since you have been able to talk about it.”
Carol also issued a statement confirming her departure to her loyal fanbase. She 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.”
Jonathan Munro, Interim CEO, BBC News and Current Affairs, said: “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 – always delivered with an appropriately sunny outlook. She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC. We wish her all the best for the future.”
Carol Kirkwood completed her meteorological training at The Weather Channel, the Met Office and the BBC before joining the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998. She commenced broadcasting on the BBC News channel and quickly expanded to BBC One and all other BBC platforms, featuring weather. Since 2010, she has served as the principal weather presenter on BBC Breakfast.
Her regular outside broadcasts encompass the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot and Royal occasions. She has also provided forecasts for major sporting events, including Wimbledon and prominent UK golf tournaments.
Carol has received numerous accolades from the Television and Radio Industries Club (TRIC), where she has consistently been recognised as Best TV Weather Presenter. She secured the best TV weather presenter award at the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards on nine distinct occasions – including consecutively from 2012 to 2017, after which the category was discontinued.
