The TV celebrity, who is best known for hosting the weather on “BBC Breakfast,” thinks now is the “right time to step away.”
After more than 25 years at the BBC, Carol Kirkwood is leaving. She is best known for covering the weather on BBC Breakfast.
Kirkwood, who is 63 years old, said she has “loved every minute” of her tenure with the company and that it wasn’t “an easy” decision to go.
During Tuesday’s (27 January) episode of BBC Breakfast, she told Jon Kay and Sally Nugent about her choice and got upset as she did so.
“It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job, you guys, my weather coworkers, and all the viewers,” she stated. “But I don’t want to come in on a zimmer frame and say, ‘I can’t get to the Northern Isles anymore.’
She said in a statement, “It seems like the right time to leave.” I’ll keep the best memories with me.
“I’ve never taken my job for granted, and I’ve loved every minute of it,” Kirkwood said. “I’ve shared it with amazing coworkers at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather, and other BBC shows, from early beginnings to all kinds of forecasts. I’d like to thank them for being there for me and being my buddy. It has meant the world.
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“To everyone at home who is watching and listening, thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years. Being a part of your mornings has been a joy.”
In April, Kirkwood will leave the BBC.
Nugent, who hosts BBC Breakfast, posted an homage to her coworker on Instagram. She wrote, “We’ve laughed (a lot) through life’s dramas, sunny vacations, and broken TV graphics.” And now she’s off to have fun with her beautiful hubby Steve and create more of her great books.
“I’ll miss her in the mornings,” she said next. “But I can’t wait for the next part of Carol’s story.”
Fans have left sorrowful comments on BBC Breakfast’s Instagram page on Kirkwood’s departure. One person said, “I really felt for you as you fought back tears.” We will miss you.
“Couldn’t be more happy for you, Carol, but honestly, I’m heartbroken by this news!” commented another. “You are such a big part of our mornings, and they won’t be the same without you!” I wish you nothing but the best for your long and happy retirement.
In April 1998, Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre and started reporting on the BBC News channel. He then became a regular on BBC One. Since 2010, she has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast.
Kirkwood has often reported on events including Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show and hosted The One Show. Kirkwood was on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and made it to week eight of the competition with her professional partner Pasha Kovalev.
Jonathan Munro, the acting CEO of BBC News, said, “She has set the gold standard for our accurate, valued journalism, from big national events to the daily forecasts that are such an important part of our audiences’ lives. She always had a positive attitude.”
“Teams all over the BBC will miss her very much. We hope she has a great future.
