Tearful Carol Kirkwood announces she is to leave BBC
In an emotional live broadcast on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, beloved weather presenter Carol Kirkwood announced she will be leaving BBC Breakfast this April after more than 25 years with the broadcaster.
Fighting back tears as she sat with co-hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, the 63-year-old revealed that her decision was motivated by a desire to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall, whom she married in December 2023.
"It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job," she admitted. "But I love my husband more than my job. We’re ships that pass in the night, and I’m so looking forward to [spending time together]."
A Stellar Career at the BBC 📺
Carol’s journey with the BBC began in 1998 as a production secretary before she trained with the Met Office and transitioned to the BBC Weather Centre. Since 2010, she has been the main face of the weather on BBC Breakfast, becoming a morning staple for millions.
Her career highlights include:
-
Strictly Come Dancing: Reaching week eight with partner Pasha Kovalev in 2015.
-
On-Location Reporting: Delivering forecasts from major events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and Royal functions.
-
Accolades: Winning multiple TRIC Awards for Best TV Weather Presenter.
-
Viral Moments: Frequently going viral for her good-humoured reactions to on-air mishaps, including being pulled over by a guide dog live on air.
"Rosy" Plans for the Future ✈️
Carol noted that she didn't want to be "coming in with a Zimmer frame" and felt now was the "absolutely right" time to go. Her retirement plans include:
-
Travel: Escaping for adventures with Steve, possibly in a camper van across France or returning to Majorca.
-
Writing: Devoting more time to her successful career as an author, having already published five romantic fiction novels (most recently Meet Me at Sunset).
-
The "Lie-In": Finally turning off the 2:45 AM alarm clock that has defined her life for decades.
Tributes from the BBC
Jonathan Munro, interim CEO of BBC News, praised Carol as the "gold standard" for weather journalism:
"Always delivered with an appropriately sunny outlook... she has set the gold standard for our accurate, valued journalism. She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC."
Carol concluded her announcement by thanking the viewers: "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."
