Carol Kirkwood was left lost for words in a sweet moment caught on camera ahead of her final BBC Breakfast appearance. The star weather presenter revealed in January that she was stepping down after 25 years with the BBC.
In a video shared to Instagram by BBC Weather and BBC Breakfast, Carol, 63, looked speechless as she was handed a gold poppy ornament by the Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London. The "special gift" was commissioned for her after "many years" of her broadcasting from the historic London site.
© GettyCarol, who looked smart in a bright red coat, was surprised by the present while at the iconic castle earlier on Wednesday. She was told: "Carol, you helped the nation pause and remember and brought sunshine with each morning’s forecast."
The star jokes in the clip, which has received more than 800 'likes', that she will be clearing her mantelpiece to make way for the present. She said: "Absolutely glorious, isn't it?"
Imminent departure
Speaking on BBC Breakfast to hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent earlier in the year, Carol said: "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.
© BBC"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."
Carol joined the BBC in 1998 and is best known for leading the weather coverage on BBC Breakfast, where she became the main weather presenter in 2010. She also memorably took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, leaving the competition in week eight with her partner Pasha Kovalev.
