Carol Kirkwood, one of BBC Breakfast’s most beloved figures, has bid farewell to her role as the show’s weather presenter after 30 years of bringing sunshine and forecasts into homes across the UK. The 63-year-old meteorologist delivered her final weather report on April 1, 2026, marking the end of an era for BBC Breakfast viewers. But rather than retreating from the public eye, Carol is stepping into a new chapter of her life, which promises exciting adventures with her husband, Steve Randall.
A Fresh Start with Steve Randall
Carol’s retirement plans are filled with adventure and relaxation, as she intends to travel across Europe with her 49-year-old husband, Steve. The couple, who married in December 2023 after years of dating, are eager to embrace the freedom that comes with Carol’s decision to step away from the daily grind of television work. Carol shared her excitement for this new phase, saying, “We’ve got lots of things planned. Lots of travels, I’m really looking forward to it.”
One of the biggest changes in Carol’s life will be no longer needing to wake up at 2:45 AM for work. She admitted, “The first thing to go is the alarm clock. That can go!” The couple is looking forward to making the most of their time together, with Steve adding, “It’s going to be the best ever, having Carol at home more.”
The idea of a slower pace of life is particularly appealing to Carol, who has dedicated much of her career to prioritizing her work, sometimes at the expense of personal time. She has already started to share snippets of her new lifestyle on Instagram, where she is enjoying the quieter moments of her retirement, spending more time with Steve, and embracing the flexibility of her schedule.
A Tearful Goodbye to BBC Breakfast
In January 2026, Carol announced her departure from the show with an emotional message to viewers, explaining that while she loved her job, it was time to prioritize her family and personal life. During her final weather forecast, Carol struggled to hold back tears as she said goodbye, admitting that it was difficult to leave something that had been such a big part of her life for three decades.
“I’m going to try and get through this,” she said. “This is a forecast I’ve known for quite a while was coming, but that doesn’t make it any easier to present.” The emotional moment was shared with her colleagues Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, who thanked Carol for her years of dedication to the show. Sally Nugent praised Carol for changing the way weather was reported on television, while Jon Kay fondly remembered the memorable moments they shared on air.
A Glittering Career
Carol’s departure comes after a highly successful and decorated career at the BBC. After joining the BBC Weather Centre in 1998, she quickly became a household name, known for her warm personality and on-screen charm. Her role on BBC Breakfast became a fixture for millions of viewers, with her cheerful demeanor brightening early mornings for decades. Carol’s work on major events, including Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Royal Ascot, made her a recognizable face across the country.
Carol’s journey with the BBC was not without its challenges, including a difficult personal breakup in 2008 when she separated from her first husband, property developer Jimmy Kirkwood. At the time, Carol revealed that the divorce, while painful, helped her grow personally. She shared, “I found myself when I got divorced. I started to do things and to think, ‘I’m not going to say no, I’m going to say yes!’” This newfound sense of courage led her to take on adventures she never would have considered before, including flying with the Red Arrows and skydiving with the Red Devils.
In 2015, Carol’s bubbly personality and courage were further showcased when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, where she reached the eighth week with partner Pasha Kovalev.
New Beginnings
Carol’s final day at BBC Breakfast was filled with tributes and well-wishes from her colleagues and viewers alike. The BBC played emotional videos from other stars, including Sue Barker, Clare Balding, Chris Evans, and Zoe Ball, all sending their appreciation for her contributions over the years. One particularly touching moment came when Bryan Adams recorded a message thanking Carol for her exceptional weather reporting. “That was lovely,” Carol said, visibly touched by the gesture.
As she signed off from BBC Breakfast, Carol reflected on her time in the industry, saying, “It’s time for a new chapter, a bit more time with Steve, and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it.” While Carol is excited about the next phase of her life, she admitted that the transition will be bittersweet. “It’s going to be weird not speaking to all our lovely audience,” she said, adding that she would miss everyone at the BBC.
What’s Next for Carol?
With her retirement now official, Carol is looking forward to more time with Steve, embarking on their travels across Europe, and enjoying the freedom that comes with no longer adhering to the grueling hours of early morning broadcasting. She plans to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and make lasting memories with her husband.
While Carol may be leaving the world of television presenting, her legacy as a trusted and beloved weather presenter will live on. Her fans, colleagues, and industry peers will undoubtedly miss her sunny disposition, but everyone is excited to see what this next chapter holds for her.
As Carol steps into retirement, she’s embracing the unknown with excitement and anticipation, ready for new adventures and a chance to enjoy the life she’s worked so hard to build.
