Carol Kirkwood Bids Farewell To BBC After 28 Years

Carol Kirkwood, the beloved weather presenter whose warm smile and reliable forecasts have greeted millions of viewers for nearly three decades, has announced she will be leaving the BBC after more than 25 years of service. The news, shared on January 27, 2026, marks the end of an era for BBC Breakfast, where Kirkwood has been a familiar face since 2010. Her departure, scheduled for April 2026, has prompted an outpouring of gratitude and nostalgia from colleagues, viewers, and industry leaders alike.

Reflecting on her decision, Kirkwood admitted that it wasn’t made lightly. In a heartfelt statement, she said, “This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away. I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.” She continued, “It’s been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day. My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute!” According to BBC, Kirkwood expressed deep appreciation for her colleagues, saying, “From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and programmes across the BBC. I’d like to thank them for their support and friendship which has meant the world.” She also addressed her viewers directly: “And to those watching and listening at home – thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy.”

Kirkwood’s journey with the BBC began in April 1998, after she completed meteorological training at The Weather Channel, the Met Office, and the BBC itself. Born in Morar on Scotland’s west coast, she attended school in Fort William before earning a BA in Commerce from what is now Napier University in Edinburgh. Her early career included various roles at the BBC, including a stint at Radio Scotland, before she found her true calling in weather broadcasting.

Her rise through the ranks was steady and well-earned. Kirkwood first appeared on the BBC News channel, then became a regular on BBC One, before finally securing her place as the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast in 2010. Over the years, she’s become synonymous with the show’s morning routine, her forecasts as much a part of viewers’ daily rituals as their first cup of coffee.

But Kirkwood’s impact extended far beyond the studio. She was regularly dispatched to cover major national events, bringing live weather updates from the likes of Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and various royal occasions. According to Metro, her on-location reporting was a highlight for many viewers, who appreciated both her expertise and her infectious enthusiasm. In May 2022, during a broadcast from the Chelsea Flower Show, Kirkwood even announced her engagement to Steve Randall, whom she married in December 2025. The couple now reside in Bray, Berkshire.

Her career has been decorated with accolades. Kirkwood has been named Best TV Weather Presenter by the Television and Radio Industries Club an impressive nine times. In 2015, while competing on the popular show Strictly Come Dancing, she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Princess Anne for “contributions to broadcasting” at Inverness College, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Her tenure on Strictly saw her reach week eight (or week seven, depending on the source) alongside professional partner Pasha Kovalev, charming audiences with her grace and determination even as she faced tough competition from other celebrities.

Kirkwood’s talents are not confined to meteorology and television. Offscreen, she has become a Sunday Times bestselling author, penning a series of romance travel books that have resonated with readers across the UK. As she looks to the future, Kirkwood plans to dedicate more time to her writing and to her husband, whom she affectionately described as her “gorgeous husband.” “We only married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night,” she told Metro, hinting at her desire for a slower pace and more shared adventures outside the studio.

Colleagues and industry leaders have been quick to pay tribute to Kirkwood’s remarkable career. Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive at BBC News and Current Affairs, summed up the prevailing sentiment: “Carol’s contribution to BBC News and BBC Weather has been exceptional. From major national moments to the everyday forecasts that are such an important part of our audiences’ lives, she has set the gold standard for our accurate, valued journalism – always delivered with an appropriately sunny outlook. She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC. We wish her all the best for the future.”

For many viewers, Kirkwood’s presence on BBC Breakfast was more than just a source of weather updates; it was a daily comfort. Her ability to explain complex meteorological phenomena in clear, relatable terms made her a trusted guide through everything from heatwaves to snowstorms. Her warmth and professionalism helped steady the nation during some of its most challenging moments, whether it was reporting live from rain-soaked sporting events or delivering updates during national emergencies.

Throughout her career, Kirkwood has often spoken about the privilege of being welcomed into viewers’ homes each morning. Her gratitude for the role and for the support she’s received from both colleagues and the public has been a constant refrain. “My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute,” she reiterated in her farewell statement, underscoring the genuine affection that has defined her relationship with the audience.

As Kirkwood prepares to step down in April 2026, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence, warmth, and resilience. Her story is a reminder of the enduring impact that a dedicated broadcaster can have—not just through the information they share, but through the spirit and humanity they bring to the screen. For the millions who have started their days with her cheerful forecasts, mornings will never be quite the same.

Yet, if Kirkwood’s career has taught us anything, it’s that every transition brings new possibilities. With her passion for writing, her plans for travel, and her commitment to family, she seems poised to embrace this next chapter with the same optimism and energy that made her a household name. The BBC—and its viewers—will surely miss her, but her influence will linger, a testament to a job done not just well, but with heart.