For nearly three decades, Carol Kirkwood has been a beloved fixture on BBC Breakfast, delivering weather forecasts with warmth, professionalism, and an unmistakable Scottish charm. Yet, behind her radiant smile and unflappable on-screen presence lies a story of resilience in the face of relentless online abuse. At 63, the veteran broadcaster has finally broken her silence, addressing the “dreadful” trolling she’s endured for years with a response that’s as bold as it is inspiring. “Call me what you like, but I show up every day and I own that screen,” she declared, brushing off her critics with the ease of “heavy rain off a duck’s back.” Kirkwood’s defiant stand is not just a clapback—it’s a testament to her strength, professionalism, and enduring love for her craft.

A Career Built on Grit and Talent

Carol Kirkwood’s journey to becoming a household name began in 1992 at the age of 30, when she took her first steps into television with Windsor TV. Her talent quickly caught the attention of the BBC, where she started as a freelance presenter in 1993, delivering short segments on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Radio 4. By 1998, she had secured a permanent role with BBC News, and over the years, she became a cornerstone of BBC Weather, appearing across platforms like BBC World News, BBC News at Six, and, of course, BBC Breakfast.

Since joining the breakfast program in 1997, Kirkwood has become synonymous with reliability and warmth. Her ability to make complex weather patterns accessible to millions of viewers has earned her a loyal fan base. Yet, despite her professionalism and undeniable talent, she has faced a barrage of online abuse, with trolls targeting everything from her appearance to her title—whether it’s “weather girl,” “weather presenter,” or “broadcast meteorologist.”

Facing the Trolls Head-On

In a candid interview, Kirkwood addressed the “dreadful things” said about her online, revealing the personal toll of years of trolling. “I am what I am, and I don’t really care what anybody thinks of me,” she stated firmly. “Titles don’t matter. I’m just doing my job to the best of my ability, always striving to improve, whether people think I’m capable or not.” Her words carry the weight of someone who has weathered countless storms—both literal and figurative—and emerged stronger.

Kirkwood’s ability to shrug off the negativity is a marked evolution from earlier in her career. In 2014, she hinted at the severity of the abuse, describing it as “very personal.” Now, she likens the vitriol to “heavy rain off a duck’s back,” a playful nod to her weather expertise and a powerful declaration of her resilience. This shift reflects not only her personal growth but also her refusal to let detractors define her worth.

More Than a Weather Presenter

Beyond her role on BBC Breakfast, Kirkwood is a woman of many talents. An accomplished author, she has penned bestselling novels, showcasing her ability to weave compelling stories outside the confines of a weather forecast. Her creative pursuits have added another dimension to her public persona, proving that her talents extend far beyond the green screen.

In August, Kirkwood faced another challenge when viewers noticed her struggling with a hoarse voice and persistent cough during her broadcasts. Addressing concerns with her trademark humor, she explained, “It’s this pesky 100-day cough. It just keeps giving. It won’t go.” Despite the health setback, she continued to deliver her forecasts with professionalism, earning praise from co-hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay for her perseverance. “Your voice nearly lasted to the end there, Carol, well done!” Nugent remarked during one broadcast, highlighting the team’s camaraderie.

A Fairytale Wedding and a Life Well-Lived

Kirkwood’s personal life has also been a source of joy and inspiration. In December 2023, she stunned fans by revealing her marriage to Steve Randall, a police officer, in an intimate ceremony at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire. Describing the day as “the most perfect and romantic” wedding, Kirkwood shared her happiness with fans, emphasizing that it was a private, not secret, affair. “We are bursting with happiness,” she said, her joy palpable. “It was a day we will never forget.”

The wedding was a milestone in a life marked by both professional triumphs and personal resilience. Kirkwood’s ability to balance her high-profile career with a private life grounded in love and authenticity has endeared her to fans even further.

A Beacon of Strength

Carol Kirkwood’s story is one of perseverance in the face of adversity. For nearly 30 years, she has brought sunshine to millions of viewers, even as she navigated the dark clouds of online abuse. Her recent response to her trolls is not just a moment of defiance but a powerful reminder of her unbreakable spirit. “I’m still here, still smiling, and I’m not going anywhere,” she declared, encapsulating her determination to rise above the noise.

At 63, Kirkwood is thriving—on air, in her writing, and in her personal life. Her journey from a young presenter on Windsor TV to a beloved BBC icon is a testament to her talent, hard work, and refusal to be diminished by negativity. As she continues to grace BBC Breakfast with her warmth and wit, Kirkwood serves as an inspiration to anyone facing criticism or doubt. Her message is clear: no matter the storm, she’ll keep showing up, owning the screen, and smiling through it all.