BBC Breakfast viewers have begun speculating about potential replacements for veteran weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, following her emotional retirement announcement this morning. The 63-year-old confirmed she will be leaving her position in April, describing the decision as "really hard" due to her deep affection for the role she has held for many years.
Emotional Departure Announcement
Carol Kirkwood shared her retirement plans through an official statement issued earlier today, January 27, 2026. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the BBC Breakfast community, with fans expressing both sadness at her departure and immediate curiosity about who might fill her iconic weather presenting slot. Kirkwood has become a beloved fixture on the morning programme, known for her warm delivery and meteorological expertise.
Early Replacement Speculation Emerges
Even as news of Kirkwood's retirement continues to dominate headlines, supporters have already begun suggesting potential successors. One prominent theory circulating among viewers points toward BBC Scotland Senior Weather presenter Judith Ralston as a natural replacement candidate.
Judith Ralston: A Leading Contender
Supporter Jim Ewing took to social media platform X to voice his opinion, writing: "So Carol Kirkwood is retiring at Easter. Surely @JudithRalston would be a shoo in replacement for the @bbcweather?" Ralston brings substantial broadcasting experience to the table, having joined BBC Scotland as a traffic reporter back in 1990 before transitioning into news and weather presenting roles.
Her credentials include being listed as the third most popular weather presenter in a UK-wide Radio Times poll conducted in 2017. Beyond her meteorological work, Ralston has a background as a former singer, adding another dimension to her broadcasting profile that could potentially resonate with BBC Breakfast's diverse audience.
Other Potential Candidates
While Judith Ralston has emerged as an early favourite among some viewers, other potential candidates within the BBC's existing weather presenting team are also being considered. Matt Taylor represents another familiar face to regular BBC Breakfast viewers, having joined the BBC weather team in 2004 after beginning his career at the Cardiff weather centre.
Taylor currently appears across various BBC programmes but maintains a regular presence as a weather forecaster on BBC Breakfast. His meteorological background and established relationship with the programme's audience position him as another plausible candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant role.
BBC's Official Position
The BBC has not yet made any official announcements regarding Kirkwood's replacement, as her departure is not scheduled until April. This leaves several weeks for internal discussions and potential auditions before a final decision is reached. The corporation typically conducts thorough selection processes for such high-profile presenting roles, considering both audience familiarity and meteorological expertise.
As speculation continues to build, BBC Breakfast viewers will be watching closely for any hints or announcements regarding who will take over the weather presenting duties that Carol Kirkwood has made so distinctive during her tenure. The transition represents a significant moment for the long-running morning programme as it prepares to welcome a new face to its established presenting team.
