Carol Kirkwood, the beloved BBC weather presenter, has officially announced the date of her final appearance on BBC Breakfast after an extraordinary 25-year career with the broadcaster. The announcement was made with a mixture of sadness and gratitude, as Kirkwood prepares to step away from the role that made her a household name.
A Tearful Goodbye
On March 11, 2026, Carol shared the emotional news that her last shift would take place on April 1st, marking the end of her long tenure. “It’s not an April Fools’ joke,” she reassured viewers, trying to lighten the mood amid the tears. Kirkwood admitted that while she was excited for the new chapter, leaving the show would be difficult, especially after so many years spent on the early morning shift with her colleagues, including Sally Nugent and Jon Kay.
“I’m going to miss you guys and everyone, the viewers as well,” Carol said, visibly emotional. “It’s a really happy thing, but it’s also sad.”
A Legacy of Smiles and Sunny Forecasts
Kirkwood has been a mainstay on BBC Breakfast and BBC Weather for over two decades, providing forecasts with her signature smile and uplifting personality. Her charming, calm demeanor helped her become a favorite among viewers, and her warm approach made the often mundane task of checking the weather feel personal and comforting.
Starting as a production secretary at the BBC, Kirkwood’s career took off when she became a weather presenter, a role she performed with great skill, humor, and professionalism. Her sunny disposition made her a beloved figure on television, even as she covered major events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Royal Ascot.
Her career was not just about delivering weather reports; she became an iconic personality on the BBC. Her time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she reached week eight with partner Pasha Kovalev, further cemented her place in British entertainment history.
A Difficult Decision to Step Away
Though her departure from BBC Breakfast comes as a shock to many, Kirkwood shared that the decision was not made lightly. “It’s been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day,” she reflected. “I’ve loved every minute of it, but it feels like the right moment to step away.”
While Kirkwood’s fans will undoubtedly miss her presence, she explained that the time has come for her to focus on personal matters, including spending more time with her husband, Steve Randall, a police officer. Their whirlwind romance, which culminated in their wedding in December 2023, had been a catalyst for Kirkwood’s decision to leave. “We only got married a couple of years ago, and we’re like ships that pass in the night, so I’m looking forward to spending more time with him,” she said.
Tributes Pour In
Kirkwood’s colleagues, both on-screen and behind the scenes, have expressed their heartfelt thanks and admiration for her contributions to the BBC. Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, her co-presenters, were visibly emotional during her announcement, with Nugent holding her hand and Kay offering her a box of tissues as she broke down on air. Jon Kay even jokingly mentioned that Carol would be enjoying some much-needed sleep in her “new life” post-BBC Breakfast.
Jonathan Munro, the interim CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs, praised Carol’s exceptional contribution to BBC News and BBC Weather. He described her as a standard-bearer for the corporation’s accurate and valued journalism, which she delivered with “an appropriately sunny outlook.”
A Full Circle Moment for Carol Kirkwood
Carol Kirkwood’s departure marks the end of an era for BBC Breakfast and British television. She has seen it all— from the major events that shaped the country to the daily routines of millions of viewers. Her graceful presence and positive energy became a hallmark of the show, making her one of the most beloved figures in British broadcasting.
Though her time at the BBC is coming to an end, Kirkwood’s legacy will remain, and her contributions to television, particularly in weather broadcasting, will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and presenters. As she prepares to say her final goodbye, Kirkwood is leaving behind a powerful legacy, not just as a weather presenter, but as an iconic figure who shaped the way we view and appreciate the news.
