Viewers tuning into BBC Breakfast lately may have noticed a few emotional moments and big announcements, and it’s clear the show is going through a period of transition.
From happy personal milestones to heartfelt goodbyes, familiar faces are stepping back — at least for now — and taking viewers along with them.
Emma Vardy Says See You Soon, Not Goodbye
One of the latest changes comes from presenter Emma Vardy, who has announced she’s heading off on maternity leave.
The 44-year-old shared the news casually but warmly during Sunday’s edition of the programme, letting viewers know she’d be taking an extended break as she prepares to welcome her second child.
As the show wrapped up, Emma smiled and said it was nearly time to go — before revealing it was her final appearance ahead of maternity leave.
Her co-host Roger Johnson quickly wished her well, telling her to enjoy the time away and offering his good luck.
Emma reassured viewers that this wasn’t a permanent farewell, adding that she would be back and that it was very much a “see you later” moment.
Announcing Baby Number Two
Emma first shared news of her pregnancy back in October 2025, confirming she and her husband were expecting another baby.
The announcement came two years after she welcomed her first child, a son named Jago Fionn.
When Jago was born, Emma marked the moment online with a touching photo taken in hospital, showing her newborn resting on her chest.
She described it as the best breaking news she’d ever delivered and joked that the baby was already a little camera-shy.
She also praised the midwives and doctors at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, sharing just how smitten she was with her new arrival.
Family Life With Husband Aaron Adams
Emma is married to Aaron Adams, with the couple getting engaged in 2021 before tying the knot a year later.
Their wedding took place at Lissanoure Castle in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and Emma later described the day as magical — filled with sunshine, music, laughter, and surrounded by loved ones.
By 2023, the couple were preparing to welcome Jago, who arrived in August of that year, marking a joyful new chapter in their lives.
From Northern Ireland to LA and Back Again
Not long after Jago’s birth, Emma revealed that the family would be relocating to Hollywood due to her role as the BBC’s Los Angeles Correspondent.
The move came after five years living and working in Northern Ireland.
After spending two years in LA, the family returned to England last year, with Emma joining the BBC Breakfast team in Manchester — a move that brought her closer to viewers back home once again.
Another Emotional Goodbye for Breakfast Viewers
Emma’s maternity leave news comes at a time when BBC Breakfast fans are already adjusting to another major departure.
Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood recently announced she will be leaving the BBC in April after more than 25 years with the broadcaster.
The moment unfolded live on air, just after Carol delivered the latest update on Storm Chandra.
Sitting alongside presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, she became visibly emotional as she shared the news.
Carol Kirkwood Reflects on a Long BBC Career
Carol admitted the announcement was incredibly difficult, explaining how much she loves her job.
With a touch of humour, she joked that she didn’t want to still be presenting forecasts decades from now and struggling to reach the Northern Isles.
Originally from Morar on Scotland’s west coast near the Isle of Skye, Carol said she’s looking forward to spending more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall.
The couple married at the end of 2023 and, by her own admission, have often felt like ships passing in the night.
New Adventures Beyond the Forecast Map
Alongside more time together, Carol shared plans to travel and to focus on writing.
She’s already published five novels and is excited to devote more energy to that creative side of her life.
She also revealed that she had kept her departure completely secret — even from close friends and colleagues at BBC Breakfast — making the on-air announcement all the more emotional.
A Tearful Moment Between Friends
With a smile, Carol said she may love her job, but she loves her husband even more.
Turning to Sally and Jon, she admitted she hadn’t wanted to get emotional but couldn’t help it, calling them close friends she deeply cares about.
As she finished speaking, Sally reached for her hand while Jon grabbed a box of tissues, and both presenters gave her a warm hug.
Sally lightened the mood with a joke, reminding Carol that at least she’ll now get the luxury of a lie-in.
What Happens Next for BBC Breakfast?
With Emma Vardy stepping away temporarily and Carol Kirkwood preparing for her final goodbye, BBC Breakfast is clearly entering a new phase.
Viewers can expect familiar faces to rotate in, new voices to step forward, and — in Emma’s case — a happy return once her maternity leave comes to an end.
The programme continues to air weekdays from 6am on BBC One and remains available to stream on iPlayer, as fans watch closely to see how the next chapter unfolds.
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