Carol Kirkwood, one of the BBC’s most recognisable weather presenters, has announced she will leave the broadcaster after more than 25 years.
The news came live on BBC Breakfast. Moments after finishing her usual forecast, Kirkwood told viewers she would step away in April. She fought back tears as she spoke.
For many viewers, her departure signals the end of a familiar routine. Kirkwood has been a steady presence on British television for decades, delivering forecasts through heatwaves, storms and long winters.
She said she is looking forward to spending more time with her husband and travelling, but admitted the decision was not an easy one.
An emotional moment on BBC Breakfast
Kirkwood broke the news from the BBC Breakfast sofa, flanked by her co-presenters.
“It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job,” she said, her voice wavering. She later stood to hug her colleagues as the programme went to a break.
She described her time at the BBC as “an absolute privilege,” thanking viewers who had tuned in over the years.
The exchange was brief, but it landed hard. Clips of the moment spread quickly online, with viewers sharing messages of thanks and surprise.
A career that spans a generation of viewers
Kirkwood joined the BBC in 1998 and went on to become one of its most trusted weather presenters.
She appeared regularly on BBC Breakfast and other national bulletins, often fronting coverage during extreme weather, from flooding to record-breaking heat.
Colleagues have long praised her calm delivery and clear explanations.
“She has been a trusted voice for decades,” a former BBC producer said. “People believed her, and that trust doesn’t come easily.”
Her consistency mattered. For many households, she became part of the morning routine rather than just a presenter reading a forecast.
Why she decided to step away
Kirkwood said the move was about time and priorities.
She plans to spend more time with her husband, Steve, and travel after leaving the BBC. At 63, she said the moment felt right, even if it was emotional.
“There’s never an easy moment to step away from something you love,” she told viewers.
She did not point to health concerns or internal changes at the BBC as reasons for her departure.
How the announcement unfolded
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1998: Kirkwood joins the BBC as a weather presenter
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2000s–2020s: Becomes a regular face on BBC Breakfast and national bulletins
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Tuesday morning: Delivers her forecast as usual
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Moments later: Announces live on air she will leave the BBC
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April: Expected to complete her final month with the broadcaster
BBC officials confirmed shortly after the programme that she will leave in April.
BBC response
The BBC praised Kirkwood’s long service following the announcement.
In a statement, a spokesperson called her “a hugely respected and much-loved member of the presenting team.”
“She has brought warmth, professionalism and clarity to weather broadcasting for more than two decades,” the statement said.
The BBC said details about her final broadcasts will be shared closer to her departure.
Viewers react
Reaction from viewers was swift and personal.
“She’s been part of my morning routine for as long as I can remember,” one viewer wrote on social media. “It won’t feel the same without her.”
Others commented on how unusual it was to see such raw emotion on live breakfast television.
Media analysts say the response reflects how closely audiences connect with familiar broadcast faces, particularly those who appear daily in people’s homes.
What comes next
The BBC has not announced who will take over Kirkwood’s slot.
Weather presentation will continue with the existing team rotating through broadcasts. Those familiar with the programme expect no immediate changes.
Kirkwood is expected to remain on air through April, giving viewers time to adjust to the transition.
Why this matters
Weather presenters are often among the most consistent figures on television, staying put while formats and line-ups change around them.
Kirkwood’s exit highlights a broader shift as long-serving broadcasters begin to step back after decades on air.
For BBC Breakfast viewers, it marks the close of a long chapter.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Carol Kirkwood announces departure from the BBC |
| Location | BBC Breakfast, United Kingdom |
| Date announced | Tuesday morning |
| Who is affected | BBC viewers, weather audiences |
| Current status | Leaving in April |
| What readers should know | End of a 25-year broadcasting career |
Frequently asked questions
When is Carol Kirkwood leaving the BBC?
She is expected to leave in April.
How long has she worked at the BBC?
More than 25 years. She joined in 1998.
Why is she leaving?
She said she wants to spend more time with her husband and travel.
Was the announcement planned?
Yes. The BBC confirmed the timeline shortly after her on-air statement.
Will she stay on screen until April?
Yes, she is expected to continue broadcasting until then.
Has a replacement been named?
No replacement has been announced.
Closing
Carol Kirkwood’s on-air goodbye marked a rare, emotional moment for British television.
After more than two decades delivering the weather, she is preparing to step away from a role that made her a familiar presence in millions of homes.
Viewers can expect further updates as her final weeks on screen approach and as the BBC outlines what comes next for its weather team.
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