After nearly three decades warming up UK mornings, Carol Kirkwood, 63, has revealed the heartbreaking reason behind her departure from BBC Breakfast. In a candid interview with the Daily Mail, the beloved weathergirl opened up about the death of her sister-in-law, Jan — a loss that became the “lightbulb moment” prompting her to step away from the studio she’d called home since 1998.
“Yes, when we lost Steve’s elder sister Jan last year after a short illness… it made us realise that old age isn’t guaranteed,” Carol admitted. The emotional loss, combined with her desire to spend more time with her husband Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023, inspired her to finally prioritize life outside early starts and late nights.
Carol laughed when discussing family reactions to her quitting: “About time!” The couple can now enjoy life together, explore the “great big, wide world,” and plan adventures without being bound by a 2:45am alarm.
While fans may miss seeing her on mornings screens, Carol hasn’t ruled out future TV projects. She’s intrigued by adventure-based shows like Race Across the World — with herself managing the budget and Steve as her chief logistics scout — but she’s not keen on cooking or reality competitions: “I’m not a cook!”
After 28 years on air, Carol Kirkwood’s story is a touching reminder that even TV stars follow their hearts, choosing love, family, and life’s fleeting moments over fame and routine.
