By Our Correspondent
National News – After nearly three decades of informing the nation, Carol Kirkwood has retired from the BBC, leaving behind her early morning alarm clocks and a long-standing career as one of the UK’s most beloved weather presenters.
Kirkwood, 63, who has been the main BBC Breakfast weather presenter since 2010, reflected on her 28 years at the broadcaster, sharing that reporting from events like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show were career highlights.
Born in Morar on Scotland’s west coast, Kirkwood joined the BBC in the late 1990s, starting on the news channel before moving to weather forecasting.
She recalled how much the role has changed: from simple sun and cloud symbols to sophisticated 3D graphics.
She also noted how climate change has blurred the once-clear four seasons.
Kirkwood announced her retirement in February 2026, citing a desire to spend more time with her husband, police officer Steve Randall, and to enjoy life while fit and healthy.
She is excited about travel plans to France and Italy, writing more romance novels, learning the guitar, and adopting cats.
She emphasized that her decision was influenced by recent personal losses and the realization that life is short, adding, “I should get on with my retirement and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Throughout her career, Kirkwood has received multiple accolades, including best TV weather presenter awards at the TV and Radio Industries Club Awards.
She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, reaching week eight with partner Pasha Kovalev, and reported for The One Show.
Saying goodbye to her colleagues was the hardest part, she admitted, calling them the heart of her work.
Special honors during her final week, such as receiving a rare gold poppy at the Tower of London and having a weather station at RHS Garden Wisley named after her, left her emotional but grateful.
Kirkwood leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, warmth, and dedication, as she steps into a well-earned retirement filled with adventure, writing, and personal passions.
