After 28 remarkable years at the BBC, Carol Kirkwood has announced her retirement, revealing the emotional reasons behind her decision and her exciting plans for the future.
In an exclusive interview, Carol shared her desire to spend more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall, and to enjoy the freedom of travel. “I’m not getting any younger, and I’m newly married,” she explained, noting the recent personal losses in their lives that made her reflect on the importance of embracing the next chapter.
Carol, who joined BBC’s weather team in 1998 and became a household name, hosted her final weather update on BBC Breakfast on April 1, 2026. The celebratory episode featured surprise celebrity appearances, a heartfelt poem read by actor Brian Cox, and a memorable reunion with the dog that famously pulled her off-screen during a live broadcast in 2021.
Kirkwood, who has been BBC Breakfast’s main weather presenter since 2010, admitted she’s looking forward to spending more time with Steve, traveling to places like France and Italy. “The freedom of being able to get in the car, drive, and go anywhere we want for as long as we want is really appealing,” she said. The couple also shares a passion for walking and is eager to enjoy this new chapter while they are “fit and healthy.”
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Carol shared that the Wimbledon tennis championships and the Chelsea Flower Show were some of her standout moments.
Announcing her departure back in January, Carol explained the emotional decision: “I love my job, I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with, and, of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s great! I don’t want to be coming in with a zimmerframe like, ‘I can’t reach the northern isles anymore!’”
In her farewell statement, Carol expressed her gratitude: “It’s been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day. My job is something I’ve never taken for granted, and I’ve loved every minute of it. From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather, and programmes across the BBC. I’d like to thank them for their support and friendship which has meant the world.”
To her viewers, Carol added: “Thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years. Being part of your mornings has been a joy. This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away. I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.”
