It's a sad day for loyal Carol Kirkwood viewers, as the beloved weather presenter has confirmed her final day on BBC Breakfast – and even shared the first thing she'll do once she steps away. In January, the broadcaster announced that after 25 years on BBC Breakfast, she had made the difficult decision to step down from the show.
Speaking about when her final appearance would be, the 63-year-old said: "My last shift on air will be on April 1, and it's not an April Fools! I can't believe it's coming around so quickly."
© BBCWhile the decision was not an easy one, Carol admitted there is one thing she's particularly looking forward to doing with her new morning freedom. "First thing I'll do is throw my alarm in the bin," she said.
"Oh, it's going to be sad,' she added. 'It's a really happy thing as well, but I'm going to miss you guys and everyone, the viewers as well."
Carol Kirkwood's sad exit
The weather presenter confirmed earlier this year that she would be stepping away after a remarkable 25 years bringing the forecast to viewers' morning routines.
After announcing the news, she told BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent: "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!
"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.
"And 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. 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."
When asked whether she would miss the early wake-ups, Carol once again joked about her famously early start. "What is a lie in? I have no idea. Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past."
Why is Carol Kirwood leaving BBC Breakfast?
Although Carol has become a familiar face for all things weather on the programme, she explained that her decision was largely driven by her desire to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023.
"I love my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job. More than everyone, I should say," she shared. "We only got married a couple of years ago and we're ships that pass in the night so I'm so looking forward to [spending more time together]. The future is rosy and the time is right, absolutely right for me to go."
© Alamy Stock PhotoIn a 2021 interview with Prima, Carol also revealed a sweet detail about their routine, which is sure to change when Carol steps away.
"He always makes me a cup of tea before I go to work in the morning, which is very romantic – it's 2.45am and he often leaves me a little love note for when I come home from work. That, to me, is worth a million red roses."
This article has been updated after an earlier version mistakenly quoted Carol; the text has since been amended for accuracy.
