In a heartfelt announcement that sent ripples across British television and beyond, beloved weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has confirmed she will be leaving the BBC after more than 25 years with the broadcaster — a decision she says stems from a desire to spend more time with her husband and focus on life beyond the daily forecast. 

The news, delivered live on BBC Breakfast on January 27, came as a surprise — yet also felt deeply personal and moving, as Kirkwood, 63, struggled to hold back tears while explaining her choice to viewers and colleagues. 

A Career That Spanned Generations of Viewers

Carol Kirkwood’s journey with the BBC began in 1998 at the BBC Weather Centre, and in the decades that followed she became a familiar and trusted presence in British homes. Having trained in meteorology with institutions such as The Weather Channel and the Met Office, she brought professionalism and warmth to her craft. 

By 2010, she was the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast — a role that made her one of the most recognizable faces on morning television. Over the years, her seasons of forecasts became intertwined with national awareness of events and everyday life: from sunshine at Wimbledon to storms rolling in over Royal Ascot and beyond. 

Viewers came to appreciate not just her accuracy, but her upbeat manner and commitment to making weather reporting both informative and engaging. She was repeatedly named Best TV Weather Presenter by industry awards and amassed a loyal following who tuned in as much for her personality as her forecasts. 

When she announced her departure, many fans expressed shock and sadness, describing her exit as “the end of an era” and lamenting that mornings on BBC Breakfast would feel different without her familiar presence. 

The Emotional Announcement on BBC Breakfast

On that emotional Tuesday morning, Kirkwood took a seat with hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay after presenting the weather. With deep sincerity she shared the news: “So I’m going to be leaving…” — followed by a pause that revealed just how difficult the decision had been. 

“I love my job,” she said, voice wavering. “I’ve loved working at the BBC — but I love my husband more than my job.” 

Her words reflected not just a career decision, but a deeply personal one. She joked about eventually needing a Zimmer frame and not being able to stretch to reach the Northern Isles on the weather map, blending light humor with a sincere reflection on her career. 

But her central message was clear: after years of early mornings and weekend weather specials, she wants to shift focus to her personal life and the man she married just a few years ago. 

Love, Timing and “Ships That Pass in the Night”

At the heart of Kirkwood’s decision is her relationship with husband Steve Randall, a police officer she married in December 2023 following a long period of friendship and romance. 

The couple met in 2017 and stayed close friends before their relationship became romantic; Steve, who has also been described as thoughtful, kind and supportive, was by her side through the highs and lows of her work-life balance. 

Kirkwood described them as “ships that pass in the night” — a phrase that resonated with many, capturing the reality of their busy schedules and the difficulty of carving out time together amid her early morning shifts. 

She and Steve live in Berkshire and had chosen to keep parts of their relationship private; Steve’s presence was only shared publicly once their wedding had taken place. 

In her announcement, she said that now was the right moment to prioritize time with him, travel and focus on personal joy outside of the demanding broadcast schedule. 

A Life Beyond Broadcasting: Travel, Writing and Gratitude

Aside from her decades at the BBC, Kirkwood is also a published author — she has released several novels and has spoken openly about her love of writing. In future interviews, she has hinted that she plans to dedicate more energy to her literary pursuits. 

She also expressed excitement at the idea of travel with Steve, remarking that the couple hopes to explore the world now that her early-morning commitments are winding down. 

In her broadcast farewell, she also took time to thank viewers and colleagues, saying she felt privileged to have been part of their mornings for so many years. “Being part of your mornings has been a joy,” she told millions of viewers tuning in that morning. 

Her final days on the show, set for April 2026, promise to be emotional for many long-time viewers who have grown up with her familiar voice and reassuring delivery. 

Colleagues React: Praise and Warm Wishes

The BBC responded to her announcement with effusive praise — Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive of BBC News, highlighted Kirkwood’s contributions, noting that she had “set the gold standard” for weather journalism on one of the country’s most watched morning shows. 

Colleagues and former partners on television also expressed their admiration. Some called it the end of an era, describing her as a comforting presence who brightened the screen and connected deeply with viewers over the years. 

Since her announcement, social media platforms have been flooded with messages of gratitude and memories from fans — many posting clips of her most memorable weather segments, favorite lines, and moments of warmth and charm. 

One viewer summed up the reaction among many, writing: “She always brought sunshine to our mornings even when the weather wasn’t great. She’ll be sorely missed.” 

Looking Back: Career Highlights and Enduring Popularity

Carol Kirkwood’s career has involved a blend of meteorological professionalism and genuine warmth — a combination that made her one of the most respected and admired personalities on British television.

Her training in meteorology, including work with the Met Office and The Weather Channel, provided her with the knowledge to deliver accurate forecasts with confidence. Throughout her time at the BBC, she covered a wide range of high-profile events, including sports tournaments, national celebrations, and significant weather occurrences affecting the UK’s population. 

She also became a familiar face beyond the forecast screen. In 2015 she appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, finishing the competition with a strong fan base and showcasing a different side of her personality. 

Her work garnered respect in broadcasting circles, and she was frequently recognized as one of the best in her field by industry peers and television viewers alike. 

Personal Life: Love, Family and New Beginnings

Much of the public interest in Kirkwood’s life beyond the BBC centers on her marriage and personal journey. Her previous marriage to businessman Jimmy Kirkwood ended in 2008 after more than two decades, and she has spoken candidly about her life and relationships in interviews over the years. 

Her relationship with Steve Randall, by contrast, came later in life but has been described by Kirkwood as deeply meaningful and transformative. In interviews, she has praised his thoughtfulness and support, sharing anecdotes about how he would make her tea before her earliest shifts — a small gesture that, she said, meant the world to her. 

Though they do not have children together, Kirkwood has also spoken publicly about her desire to be a mother earlier in life, admitting at times that her career path and biological timing did not align with her hopes — a personal chapter that resonates with many of her fans. 

Viewer Reactions: Social Media and Public Sentiment

The announcement has sparked an outpouring of emotion online. On platforms like Reddit, fans have expressed their sadness at the end of Kirkwood’s era on BBC Breakfast, with many calling her a comforting presence that helped start their day and lamenting that she will no longer be part of their morning routine. 

Comments have ranged from humorous to heartfelt, with some users sharing how her voice became an integral part of their daily life, while others joked about the challenge of finding someone to replace her. 

Still others praised her choice to focus on personal happiness and life beyond work, seeing her decision as an inspiring example of prioritizing relationships and personal joy after years of dedicated service. 

Looking Ahead: Carol’s Next Chapter

As Carol Kirkwood prepares to step away from the BBC in April 2026, the industry and public alike are left celebrating her legacy while anticipating what comes next.

Will she focus on travel? Continue writing novels? Perhaps embrace a new role in broadcasting on her own terms? Only time will tell.

What is certain, however, is that she has left an indelible mark on British television — shaping not just weather reports, but morning routines and public connection for millions. As she closes one chapter and opens another, Carol Kirkwood’s story is far from over — and audiences everywhere will be watching with affection and respect.