After more than two decades of brightening mornings across the UK, Carol Kirkwood has shocked colleagues and viewers alike by announcing her retirement from BBC Breakfast.
The 63-year-old weather legend revealed the news live on air, citing a desire to spend more time with her husband Steve Randall, whom she married in December 2023.
Retirement Was Entirely Her Choice
Despite speculation that her departure might be linked to ageism, sources close to the BBC have confirmed Carol’s decision was entirely voluntary.
“There was no pressure and age wasn’t a factor,” an insider told the Daily Mail.
“She could have carried on indefinitely — the bosses never intended to replace her.”
In fact, a running joke inside BBC Breakfast management suggests that letting Carol go would have sparked “riots.”
Her colleagues were reportedly devastated when she broke the news, but fully supportive of her choice to focus on her personal life.
Choosing Love Over the Weather
Speaking with co-presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, Carol got emotional as she explained her reasoning.
“I love my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job,” she said.
“We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night, so I’m so looking forward to spending more time together.”
Carol’s desire to embrace the next chapter in life was heartfelt and sincere.
“The future is rosy and the time is right, absolutely right for me to go,” she added.
She even joked about not wanting to be “coming in in my Zimmer frame saying, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!’”
A Career Built on Dedication and Charm
Carol’s career at the BBC spans decades.
She joined the corporation in 1998 after training at The Weather Channel in the US and with the Met Office.
Since 2010, she has been a mainstay on BBC Breakfast, becoming a familiar face at Wimbledon, Chelsea Flower Show, and Royal Ascot, as well as in the studio delivering daily forecasts.
Her journey wasn’t always straightforward — she started as a production secretary and assistant, briefly left for consultancy work, and only later returned to meteorology.
Over the years, Carol also competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, finishing eighth and winning hearts with her determination and charm.
Life Beyond the Studio
Carol’s personal life has flourished in recent years.
Her marriage to Steve Randall, a police officer 13 years her junior, has sparked a renewed sense of adventure.
“I found myself when I got divorced,” she told Radio Times, reflecting on her past marriage to Jimmy Kirkwood. “Now I think, ‘Oh, you’ve got to live your life!’”
The couple now reside in Windsor and enjoy a life filled with shared adventures and quiet domestic bliss.
Carol has openly praised Steve for his kindness, humor, and warmth, calling him a “gentleman” and “someone I could wax lyrical about forever.”
BBC and Ageism Concerns
Carol’s retirement comes at a time when the BBC has faced scrutiny over the treatment of older presenters.
Veteran figures such as Sue Barker, Arlene Phillips, Moira Stuart, and Ken Bruce have all seen roles reduced or replaced to appeal to younger audiences.
However, insiders insist Carol’s decision was purely personal and not influenced by any institutional pressure.
Leaving With Gratitude
In her written statement, Carol expressed immense gratitude for her time at the BBC.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day,” she wrote.
“From early starts to all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues.
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.”
Carol Kirkwood leaves behind a legacy of warmth, professionalism, and memorable forecasts, stepping away on her own terms to focus on love, life, and the adventures that lie ahead.
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