Carol Kirkwood has officially waved goodbye to BBC Breakfast after nearly three decades as the nation’s beloved weather presenter — and she’s celebrating her newfound freedom in style.
The 63-year-old meteorologist revealed she “threw away her alarm clock” the day after her final broadcast on April 1, relishing the chance to finally do what she wants, when she wants. After setting an alarm at 2:45am for years, Carol admitted the early starts had been the hardest part of the job, leaving her with a lingering sense of jet-lag.
Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: “I’ve loved my job but I love my husband more, and now I want us to be more than ships that pass in the night… Top of the list will be travel.” Since leaving, she has enjoyed simple pleasures like sitting in the garden with a book and a glass of wine, and has finally found time to focus on her latest novel, due out in October.
Carol’s farewell was emotional, with on-air tributes from colleagues including Sally Nugent, Jon Kay, and a VT featuring BBC stars like Sue Barker, Chris Evans, and Sir Chris Hoy. Fans and co-stars alike described her as a “ray of sunshine” and a “national treasure,” praising her warmth, professionalism, and the countless memories she provided viewers over the years.
Reflecting on her career, Carol said: “After 28 years as a BBC weather presenter, tracking storms, chasing sunshine, and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I’m saying goodbye. This job has given me memories I’ll carry forever.” Now, she looks forward to a new chapter filled with travel, time with her husband Steve Randall, and simply enjoying life without an alarm clock dictating her mornings.
