After nearly three decades of brightening BBC Breakfast viewers’ mornings, Carol Kirkwood has put away her weather map for good. The 63-year-old is now looking ahead to a “magical” new chapter with her husband, Steve Randall, swapping the early morning alarms for a much-deserved life of “relaxation”.
On Wednesday, the BBC Breakfast weather presenter bid an emotional farewell to colleagues and viewers in her final show. In a touching moment, she was surprised on the famous red sofa by her husband, Steve, 49, as she said goodbye.
“I’m not getting any younger, I’m newly married and we’ve had some losses in our lives recently,” she told the BBC in a new interview.
Although Carol didn’t elaborate on what losses she had experienced, the presenter said it has helped her realise, “I should get on with my retirement and that’s what I’m going to do.”
As well as presenting the weather on BBC Breakfast since 1997, Carol took part in the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, where she was partnered with dancer Pasha Kovalev, being eliminated in the seventh week.
The published author has also reported for The One Show and has repeatedly been named best TV weather presenter at the TV and Radio Industries Club Awards.
Carol is especially looking forward to travelling and has already planned trips to 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 added.
Carol and her husband Steve, whom she married in 2023, also enjoy walking. The TV star has noted the importance of making the most of their time together, saying she is acutely aware she will be turning 64 in May and that they want to do this while they are fit and healthy.
The weather presenter, who first joined the BBC in April 1998, has been very open about spending time with her husband.
© Twitter“We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re like ships that pass in the night, so I’m so looking forward to doing that,” she previously said. “I’ve loved my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC,” she continued. “But I love my husband more than my job.”
The police officer made a surprise appearance at the end of the programme. “You told me you weren’t coming in,” said Carol, as Steve walked onto the set with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.
“You’re in trouble,” she joked. As for her future plans, Carol added: “It’s time for a new chapter, a bit more time with Steve and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives.”
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