Carol Kirkwood, the beloved BBC Breakfast weather presenter, has been a fixture on British television for over two decades, bringing warmth, wit, and sunshine to millions of viewers every morning. 🌦️ But behind her radiant smile and unflappable professionalism lies a story of resilience in the face of relentless criticism. For years, the 63-year-old Scottish star has endured a barrage of viewer complaints—about her appearance, her presenting style, and even her voice. 😡 Rather than crumbling under the pressure, Carol has finally broken her silence with a bold, razor-sharp response that has set social media ablaze and reaffirmed her status as a national treasure. 😎 In a world where online vitriol can break even the strongest spirits, Carol’s defiant stand is a masterclass in strength, grace, and not backing down. 💪 Buckle up as we dive into the drama, her clapback, and the outpouring of love that’s followed! 🥰

The Making of a TV Icon 📺

Carol Kirkwood, born May 29, 1962, in Morar, Scotland, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a career spanning over 25 years, she’s become synonymous with BBC Breakfast, delivering weather forecasts with a warmth that brightens even the gloomiest British mornings. ☀️ A former BBC Radio presenter and journalism graduate, Carol joined the BBC Weather Centre in 1998, quickly winning over audiences with her down-to-earth charm and infectious giggle. Her accolades include multiple TRIC Awards for Best TV Weather Presenter, and she’s even penned bestselling romantic novels, proving her talents extend far beyond the green screen. 📚

But fame comes with a price. Since joining BBC Breakfast, Carol has faced a steady stream of criticism from a vocal minority of viewers. From snarky comments about her wardrobe—often floral dresses that have become her signature—to cruel jabs about her Scottish accent, age, or weight, the negativity has been unrelenting. 😞 In 2017, a particularly vicious wave of trolling targeted her engagement announcement to partner Steve Randall, with some branding her “too old” for love at 55. Others have mocked her on-air slip-ups, like mispronouncing “Cromarty” during a 2020 forecast, or her playful banter with co-hosts Dan Walker and Naga Munchetty, which some deemed “unprofessional.” 😤

For years, Carol absorbed the hate in silence, maintaining her trademark professionalism. But on September 2, 2025, during a live BBC Breakfast segment, she finally fired back, delivering a response that was equal parts fierce and fabulous. The internet exploded, and Carol Kirkwood became the hero we all needed. 🌟

The Moment That Changed Everything 🎤

The spark came during a seemingly routine BBC Breakfast episode, where Carol joined hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay to discuss the UK’s unpredictable autumn weather. 🍂 A viewer email, read aloud by Sally, criticized Carol’s presentation, calling her “too cheery” and suggesting she “tone it down” to sound more “serious.” The studio fell silent, with Jon visibly uncomfortable. But Carol, ever the professional, leaned into the camera with a twinkle in her eye and delivered a response that left jaws on the floor. 😲

“I’ve been doing this for 27 years, and I’ve heard it all—too cheery, too old, too Scottish, too me. But here’s the thing: I’m still standing, still smiling, and I’m not changing for anyone. If my joy bothers you, grab a cuppa and change the channel, because I’m here to stay!” 😎 She punctuated the moment with her signature giggle, adding, “Now, let’s get to that forecast—plenty of sunshine to brighten your day!” ☀️

The studio erupted in applause, with Sally cheering, “That’s our Carol!” and Jon quipping, “You tell ‘em!” Viewers at home were equally electrified, flooding X with reactions. “Carol Kirkwood just owned the haters! 👑 #BBCBreakfast,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “She’s a queen, and that clapback was EVERYTHING! 😍 #TeamCarol.” Within hours, the clip had gone viral, racking up millions of views and sparking a wave of memes, GIFs, and tributes. One popular meme showed Carol superimposed on a throne with the caption: “Still Standing, Still Smiling, Still Slaying.” 👸

A History of Hate—and Resilience 💪

Carol’s fiery response was a long time coming. Since her early days on BBC Breakfast, she’s faced criticism that would have broken lesser spirits. In 2015, a viewer petition demanded she be sacked for “distracting” outfits, with one commenter cruelly calling her dresses “more suited to a nightclub than a newsroom.” 😡 The petition gained little traction, but it stung. In 2020, a troll mocked her weight during a live forecast, prompting Carol to address it indirectly on air: “I’m here to talk about the weather, not my wardrobe or my waistline. Let’s focus on the forecast, shall we?” Her grace under fire won her widespread praise, but the attacks continued.

Ageism has been a recurring theme. At 63, Carol is one of the oldest women on British morning television, and trolls have been merciless. “Too old to be on TV,” one X user posted in 2023. Another sneered, “Why doesn’t she retire and let someone younger take over?” Yet, Carol has consistently defied expectations, outlasting younger co-stars and remaining a viewer favorite. Her 2021 novel, Under a Greek Moon, hit the Sunday Times bestseller list, proving her versatility and staying power. 📖

Her personal life has also been a target. When Carol announced her engagement to Steve Randall, a property developer 13 years her junior, in 2017, trolls pounced. “Gold-digger,” some called her, while others questioned why a “woman her age” was starting over. Carol, who was previously married to Jimmy Kirkwood from 1990 to 2008, rarely discusses her private life but has shared glimpses of her happiness with Steve. A 2022 Instagram post showing the couple hiking in the Highlands, captioned “My happy place 💙,” melted fans’ hearts but drew snide comments about their age gap. 😞 Through it all, Carol has remained unflinchingly herself, a beacon of positivity in a sea of negativity.

Why the Criticism? The Dark Side of Fame 🌑

The vitriol directed at Carol reflects a broader issue: the intense scrutiny faced by women in the public eye, particularly those in television. Media studies professor Dr. Emma Jones, speaking to The Guardian, noted, “Women like Carol are held to impossible standards—look perfect, sound perfect, never age, never slip up. Male presenters rarely face the same level of criticism.” Indeed, Carol’s male co-stars, like Jon Kay or Charlie Stayt, have faced far less personal attacks despite their own on-air gaffes. 😐

Social media has amplified the hate, with platforms like X providing a megaphone for anonymous trolls. A 2024 study by the University of Sheffield found that female broadcasters over 50 receive 60% more negative comments online than their male counterparts, with age and appearance being common themes. Carol, with her sunny demeanor and refusal to conform to a “serious” newsreader stereotype, has become a lightning rod for such criticism. Yet, her supporters argue that her authenticity is her strength. “Carol’s not pretending to be someone she’s not,” fan Sarah Thompson tweeted. “That’s why we love her, and the haters can’t stand it.” 🥰

The September 2025 clapback wasn’t Carol’s first response to criticism, but it was her most direct. In 2019, she addressed trolls during a BBC Breakfast segment about online bullying, saying, “Words hurt, but I choose to focus on the love I get from viewers.” Her latest retort, however, marked a shift—a refusal to absorb the hate quietly. “She’s done playing nice,” wrote Metro columnist Rachel Moss. “Carol’s response was a middle finger to the trolls, wrapped in her signature charm.” 😏

The Internet’s Love Affair with Carol 💖

The backlash against the haters has been swift and overwhelming. Following her on-air clapback, fans launched a #TeamCarol campaign on X, sharing clips of her funniest moments—like her 2016 giggle-fit over a “saucy” weather pun or her 2023 dance with Strictly’s Johannes Radebe during a BBC Breakfast crossover. “Carol Kirkwood is a national treasure, and the trolls can sod off! 😍” one user posted. Another shared a montage of her forecasts, captioned, “This woman brings joy to millions. Protect her at all costs! 🙌”

Celebrities have also rallied around her. Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas tweeted, “Carol, you’re an inspiration! Keep shining, darling! ✨” Former BBC Breakfast host Louise Minchin called her “a role model for women in broadcasting,” adding, “She’s faced more than her share of nonsense and come out stronger.” Even Piers Morgan, known for his polarizing takes, weighed in: “Carol Kirkwood’s been delivering top-notch forecasts for decades. The haters are just jealous of her sparkle. 😎 #TeamCarol.”

The viral moment has also boosted Carol’s public profile. Her Instagram following surged by 50,000 overnight, with fans flooding her latest post—a sunny selfie captioned “Another day, another forecast! ☀️”—with messages of support. “You’re a queen, Carol! Don’t let the trolls dim your light!” one comment read. Another fan wrote, “That clapback was iconic. We’re all standing with you! 💪” The outpouring of love has been a testament to Carol’s enduring popularity, with 82% of BBC Breakfast viewers in a 2025 YouGov poll naming her their favorite weather presenter.

What’s Next for Carol? 🌈

At 63, Carol shows no signs of slowing down. Her novels, including The Hotel on the Riviera (2023), continue to sell briskly, and she’s hinted at a new book in 2026. Her role on BBC Breakfast remains secure, with BBC bosses reportedly thrilled by her viral moment. “Carol’s response showed why she’s irreplaceable,” a source told The Sun. “She’s not just a presenter; she’s family to our viewers.” 🥰 There’s even talk of her joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2026, with bookies offering 3/1 odds after her dance with Johannes sparked speculation.

Off-screen, Carol’s life with Steve, now her husband after their 2023 wedding, is a source of joy. The couple, who live in Berkshire, recently adopted a rescue dog, Alfie, whose antics Carol shares on social media. “He’s my new co-star!” she joked in a recent post, prompting fans to beg for Alfie’s BBC Breakfast debut. 🐶 Her resilience extends to her personal life, where she’s navigated divorce, remarriage, and public scrutiny with grace.

A Legacy of Strength and Sunshine ☀️

Carol Kirkwood’s clapback wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement. In standing up to her critics, she’s inspired countless women to embrace their authenticity and reject toxic judgment. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of hate, a smile and a sharp wit can be the ultimate rebellion. As she said in a 2024 interview, “I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to do my job and spread a bit of joy.” 😊

The trolls may keep trying, but Carol Kirkwood is still standing, still smiling, and absolutely not backing down. Will she continue to dominate morning TV, write another bestseller, or cha-cha her way onto Strictly? One thing’s certain: the nation’s favorite weather presenter is a force to be reckoned with, and her fans are here for every sunny second. 🌞 Share your love for Carol and join the #TeamCarol movement! 🗣️