After three decades of delivering weather forecasts to millions of viewers, Carol Kirkwood, 63, has bid a heartfelt farewell to BBC Breakfast. The beloved presenter’s final broadcast on April 1, 2026, marked the end of an era, leaving viewers emotional as they watched her say goodbye to the role she’s held since 1998.
Carol’s departure, which was announced earlier this year, has been met with an outpouring of love and appreciation from fans and colleagues alike. In her final moments on air, Carol expressed her deep gratitude for the career that gave her so much more than a job—it gave her memories, friendships, and a special place in the hearts of viewers.
A New Beginning with Steve Randall
Now, after decades of early mornings and tight schedules, Carol is looking forward to her next chapter—spending more time with her husband Steve Randall, 49, and embracing the joys of retirement. The couple married in December 2023 after a whirlwind romance, and now they’re ready to explore the world together.
In an emotional interview, Carol revealed that she’s excited to leave behind the “2:45am alarm” and enjoy a slower pace of life, driving into the sunset with her “toyboy” husband, enjoying long trips across Europe. “We’ve got lots of things planned,” she said, smiling through her tears. “I’m looking forward to just spending time with Steve and living life on our terms.”
Tributes from Co-Stars and Fans
As she said her final goodbye, Carol was joined by her BBC Breakfast co-stars Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, who showered her with praise for the way she revolutionized weather reporting. Sally said, “Carol, you’ve changed the way weather is reported on television. Whether you’re on the map, on location, or meeting our viewers, you’ve brought a unique style to the show.”
Carol was also surprised with heartfelt video tributes from colleagues across the BBC, including Sue Barker, Clare Balding, and Vicky McClure, who all shared their admiration for Carol’s warmth, professionalism, and infectious personality. The emotional tributes were a testament to the lasting impact Carol has had on her colleagues and the nation.
A Career of Highlights and Challenges
Carol’s career has been filled with unforgettable moments, from reporting live from the Chelsea Flower Show to braving the chaos of Wimbledon and Royal Ascot. But it wasn’t just about the big events—Carol’s sunny disposition and her ability to laugh through live broadcast mishaps, like being dragged by dogs or accidentally calling dog-walkers “doggers,” made her a relatable and beloved figure to millions.
Her journey to becoming one of the most recognized faces in weather began in an unexpected way. Carol initially joined the BBC as a production assistant and later trained with the Met Office to become a weather presenter. She joined the BBC Weather Centre in 1998, and her charm quickly won her a permanent place on BBC Breakfast. Her training at The Weather Channel in the US and work with the BBC shaped her into a weather presenter with a personal touch.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on her journey, Carol noted how much she’s grown since her divorce from property developer Jimmy Kirkwood in 2008. She admitted that the breakup, though painful, pushed her to embrace life more fully and take on challenges she would have avoided before, such as flying with the Red Arrows and skydiving with the Red Devils.
“I found myself when I got divorced,” she revealed. “I started saying ‘yes’ to life, and I’ve become braver because of it.”
As Carol embarks on her next adventure, her departure from BBC Breakfast marks the end of an era in British television. Her legacy will live on not just in her weather forecasts, but in the friendships she forged and the laughter she brought into people’s homes for over 30 years.
