Long-serving BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has confirmed she will be leaving her role, prompting an outpouring of emotion from devoted viewers who have described feeling "so shocked" by the announcement.
Emotional On-Air Announcement
The 63-year-old broadcaster made the emotional revelation while sitting on the Breakfast sofa alongside presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, describing how "hard" it was to confirm her departure. Kirkwood explained she will be stepping away from her role at Easter, emphasising her profound love for the job she has held for over a quarter of a century.
A Quarter Century of Service
Carol Kirkwood first joined the BBC in 1998, marking more than 25 years with the corporation. She has served as the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010, becoming a familiar and cherished presence in millions of British households during morning broadcasts.
In a written statement released alongside her on-air announcement, Kirkwood reflected on her career, stating: "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!"
Viewer Reaction and Support
Following the announcement, fans have inundated social media platforms with messages of support and expressions of sadness at her impending departure. One supporter wrote on X: "@BBCBreakfast Carol kirkwood i love you please don't leave BBC Breakfast because you brighten up everyone's morning with the weather. So shocked my dear. Please stay."
Another viewer added: "Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood to leave BBC - Good luck and thank you Carol, it's always been nice to see you in the mornings. Your cheerful nature brightens the gloomiest of mornings."
A third fan commented: "Come rain or shine Carol Kirkwood has been a reassuring presence for millions of viewers on #BBCBreakfast. We will miss her, on and off screen, for her kind, caring and friendly approach."
Mixed Reactions to News Coverage
While many have expressed genuine sadness at Kirkwood's retirement announcement, some viewers questioned whether the story warranted classification as breaking news. One person remarked: "But BBC Breaking News is Carol Kirkwood weather reporter is leaving after 25 years service...and I wish her well, but breaking news?"
Despite these occasional criticisms, the overwhelming response has been one of appreciation for Kirkwood's long service and warm on-screen presence.
Reflections on a Broadcasting Career
During her emotional announcement, Kirkwood joked about her reasons for retiring, saying: "I don't want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, 'I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore!'"
In her formal statement, the broadcaster confirmed that the decision to step back "hadn't been an easy decision to make," but added that "it feels like the right moment to step away."
She expressed gratitude to her colleagues and viewers alike, stating: "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."
Kirkwood continued: "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."
As news of her retirement spreads, viewers across the United Kingdom are preparing to bid farewell to one of television's most recognisable and beloved weather presenters, whose cheerful forecasts have brightened mornings for generations of BBC Breakfast audiences.
