After decades in front of the cameras, Carol Kirkwood has made the heartfelt decision to step away from BBC Breakfast, surprising colleagues and viewers alike.
The beloved weather presenter, 63, stunned audiences yesterday morning with her live announcement, citing a desire to spend more quality time with her new husband, Steve Randall.
Despite speculation swirling around ageism and the industry’s preference for younger faces, sources close to the BBC insist that Carol’s departure was entirely her choice.
She could have easily continued presenting for many more years, but her priorities have shifted, and love is now at the forefront.
A Career Built on Dedication and Popularity
Carol’s journey with the BBC has been nothing short of remarkable.
She joined the corporation as a production secretary and assistant on BBC Breakfast before training with The Weather Channel in the US.
Returning to the UK, she underwent further training with the BBC and the Met Office, finally joining the BBC Weather Centre in 1998.
Since 2010, Carol became a staple of BBC Breakfast, guiding millions of viewers with her charm and expertise.
Beyond the studio, she has been a familiar presence at major events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Royal Ascot.
Her popularity was so profound that insiders joked there “would be riots” if she were ever forced out.
Retirement Sparks Ageism Rumors
Immediately after her announcement, speculation arose that her departure was influenced by the BBC’s history of sidelining older presenters.
Previous cases, such as Miriam O’Reilly’s ageism tribunal after leaving Countryfile, fueled the narrative.
However, sources close to Carol stressed that age played no role in her decision.
A BBC insider told the Daily Mail: “Carol’s decision to leave was entirely her call. There was no pressure, and as far as producers were concerned, she could have gone on forever.
She’s been the mainstay and a big reason why so many viewers tune in, so nobody wanted her to leave. Once she decided, there was no standing in her way.”
Choosing Love Over Work
Carol’s motivation is deeply personal.
She married Steve Randall, a police officer 13 years her junior, in December 2023, and the couple now resides in Windsor.
She revealed that their busy schedules often kept them apart, and stepping away from work will allow her to enjoy time together.
On air, Carol tearfully told co-hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay: “I love my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job. More than everyone, I should say.
We only got married a couple of years ago, and we’re ships that pass in the night. I’m so looking forward to spending more time together. The future is rosy, and the time is right, absolutely right for me to go.”
A Life of Adventure and Personal Growth
Carol’s life has been marked by resilience and adventure.
Following her divorce from Jimmy Kirkwood after nearly two decades of marriage, she embraced new challenges and experiences.
From flying with the Red Arrows to skydiving with the Red Devils, Carol describes these adventures as part of her journey toward living life to the fullest.
She told Radio Times: “I found myself when I got divorced. I started to do things and think, ‘I’m not going to say no, I’m going to say yes!’
Now I’m braver. I’ve taken risks I would never have considered before.”
BBC Legacy and Public Farewell
Carol’s retirement marks the end of an era for BBC Breakfast.
Her colleagues and viewers alike will feel the void left by her departure.
In her farewell statement, she expressed gratitude to her team and the audience: “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!
From early starts and 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.”
While rumors may linger about the pressures of ageism in broadcasting, one thing is clear: Carol Kirkwood’s decision to retire comes from the heart, and her next chapter will be shared with the man she adores.
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