After an unforgettable career at the BBC, weather presenter Carol Kirkwood is leaving BBC Breakfast after more than 25 years of delighting viewers with her sunny outlook and spot-on forecasts. The beloved 63-year-old appeared upbeat as she stepped out for the final time following her tear-filled send-off on air—despite a cheeky parting remark from co-presenter Naga Munchetty.
Carol, who has been a fixture on the show since 1997, admitted in January that she would be saying goodbye this April. Her last day, April 1, was emotional, but as always, Carol kept it together while bidding farewell to her colleagues and her adoring audience.
In a heartwarming scene following the final broadcast, Carol was seen leaving her hotel in Manchester, smiling broadly as she loaded flowers and parting gifts into her waiting car, looking casual in a navy tracksuit and black leggings.
As part of her final send-off, Carol was treated to a highlight reel of her most memorable moments on the show. But Naga couldn’t resist her signature playful banter, jokingly saying, “I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!” While the studio audience laughed, fans watching at home didn’t quite share the same sentiment, with some feeling the comment was too harsh.
Naga couldn’t help but have one final jokey dig at Carol before she headed off, as the pair have been known to exchange humorous blows on our screens over the years
After playing some of Carol’s best bits, Naga jokingly told her: ‘I am just waiting for the countdown for you to go!’
“I’m not sure that was a tribute,” one viewer posted on social media. “Where’s Naga’s solo tribute like the other presenters?” Another pointed out, “Maybe Naga and Carol didn’t get along… that dig didn’t seem like a joke.”
Nevertheless, the banter didn’t overshadow the genuine affection Carol received from her colleagues. Naga later offered her a “Little Miss Sunshine” picture, a rare heartfelt moment from the famously witty presenter.
Carol’s emotional farewell wasn’t just met with humor—she was deeply moved by tributes from her BBC colleagues. Fellow presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay recalled her immense contribution to broadcasting, and a video montage played featuring messages from friends such as Sue Barker, Zoe Ball, and Sir Chris Hoy, who praised Carol as a “ray of sunshine.” Even Canadian rockstar Bryan Adams joined the tribute, sending his thanks for her many years of weather forecasts.
Carol Kirkwood looked in great spirits as she stepped out after her final BBC Breakfast show – despite Naga Munchetty’s brutal parting dig at her
And after the last show she was seen leaving her hotel in Manchester on Thursday and was loading all of her flowers and parting gifts into a waiting car
While the day was filled with smiles and fond memories, Carol struggled to hold back tears as she thanked her audience for their support, saying, “This job has given me so much more than a career, it’s given me memories I’ll carry forever.” After a career spanning almost three decades, Carol admitted that leaving was bittersweet. “It’s time for a new chapter,” she said, adding that she’s excited to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall.
Carol’s departure marks the end of an era for BBC Breakfast, and viewers will undoubtedly miss her sunny demeanor and comforting presence. Fans flooded social media with messages of love, with one writing, “We’ll miss you, Carol, you’ve brightened up our mornings for years.”
Carol may be leaving the studio, but she’ll always be a beloved part of the BBC family.
