CAROL Kirkwood said an emotional farewell today on her final ever day on BBC Breakfast.
The much-loved weather presenter, 63, announced in January that she would be stepping back after 25 years on the .
Carol Kirkwood fought back tears as she said an emotional goodbye to BBC BreakfastCredit: bbc
The weather presenter’s husband Steve surprised his wife with a bouquet of flowersCredit: bbc
Carol delivered an emotional speech to viewersCredit: bbc
presented her usual weather segment on Wednesday’s show, joined by her colleagues and Jon Kay in the studio.
Just before her final weather report, Carol joined the presenters on the sofa.
Jon said: “Gosh one forecast left,” to which Carol said: “I can hardly believe it.”
The hosts then surprised Carol with a look back at her three decade career with tributes from a host of famous faces.
, , Sian Williams, , Sophie Raworth and were among the celebrities who shared a touching message to Carol.
There was also a series of throwback clips of Carol on BBC Breakfast and some of her career highlights – including presenting at , and various blunders including her falling over at The Royal Chelsea Flower Show.
“That was brilliant, that was absolutely brilliant, happy memories,” Carol said.
They then showed clips of Carol with dear friend and late BBC Breakfast presenter , who sadly passed away in 2022 aged 66.
Speaking about her late friend Bill, Carol said: “He was such a sweetheart, he was so kind, he’d say ‘now Kirky, behave yourself’, and I’d done nothing.”
Sally told Carol: “We were talking this morning about how much we’ll miss you, but I think it’s really important to remember how lucky we have been to have you for all these years.
“We were so lucky to hold onto you for so long.
“I know everyone is going to be sad when you go. But the thing I’m most excited about is this is happy ever after and it’s a big adventure and no one deserves it more than you.”
An emotional Carol said: “I’m the lucky one actually because I’ve been on this programme for 28 years and it’s been amazing.
“I’ve had so many privileged moments, I’ve been honoured to be on this programme for so long.
Carol was treated to a number of surprises in the studio
The crew filled the studio as they said a farewell to much-loved presenter Carol
“It is a new chapter, so Steve and I are going to set off into the sunset.”
Carol, who has been open about her love for animals, revealed that when she retires, she and partner Steve are set to “get some cats”.
Jon said: “We are lucky enough to sit here on this sofa but for everyone of us, there are dozens of people in the gallery, studio floor, news room and you mean just as much to them – you set the tone, you really have for all of us on this programme.
“Your legacy will continue. Be more Carol.”
In a VT clip, Carol was treated with another surprise as she finally got to meet Larry the Cat, who has served as Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street since 2011.
Prime Minister Kier Starmer then shared a special message for Carol.
He said: “Carol congratulations on a truly remarkable career. You’ve been the staple every morning for us in relation to the weather with your professionalism, your warmth, your sunny disposition that you have.
“Let me extend my best wishes for the next chapter.
“I really hope that you get to spend some more quality time with your family. Thank you.”
The other BBC Breakfast hosts including joined them in the studio.
Naga said: “We’ve been seeing all these VTs, we all think you’re great,” before reaching behind the sofa to reveal a sweet portrait of Little Miss Sunshine which had been specially commissioned for her.
Carol’s husband Steve then surprised her in the studio with a huge bouquet of flowers.
Steve admitted it will be the “best ever” to have Carol at home more and said they’ll be ditching the alarm clock for the foreseeable.
Sitting with her co-stars on the sofa for the last time, Carol said: “I’m completely overwhelmed by this,” before the crew filled the studio.
Carol then delivered a heartfelt message to viewers as she fought back tears while holding Steve’s hand.
She said: “This is a forecast I’ve known for quite a while was coming, that doesn’t make it any easier to present.”
“After 28 years as a BBC weather presenter…” Carol said before her voice broke as she tried to fight back her tears.
She continued: “Tracking storms, chasing sunshine and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I am saying goodbye.
“When I first walked into this studio, I could never have imagined the journey ahead.
“But one thing has never changed is the privilege and honour of being welcomed into your homes. Thank you.
“Thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow from big national events to the everyday question of ‘do I need to take a brolly?’
“You’ve been the constant in all of this and I’ve never taken that for granted.
“Thank you for all the wonderful gifts, cards and messages. I’m really going to miss you.
“And to my colleagues past and present, those in front and those behind the camera, I owe you all so much.
“You’ve been my team, my safety net and very often my family.
“We’ve shared breaking news, long shifts, plenty of laughter, bad hair days and the occasional moment of pure chaos.
“And do you know what, I wouldn’t change a second of it.
“This job has given me so much more than a career, it’s given me memories, I’ll carry them forever, friendships I treasure deeply.
“As for what comes next, for once I don’t have a detailed forecast.
“But I do know this, it’s time for a new chapter and time with Steve and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it.”
She then welled up as she said: “Thank you for letting me be part of your lives,” as her co-stars gave her a huge round of applause.
Carol joined the in 1998 and has been a familiar presence, most notably on .
Back in January, Carol broke the news to viewers that her time on the show had come to an end.
Clearly emotional, Carol said: “So, I’m going to be leaving – and it’s really hard, really hard for me to say this because I love my job.
“I love all of you guys and my weather colleagues and of course all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years…but it’s great – I don’t want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!’.”
The star explained how she planned to , after their .
She said in a statement in January: “We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night so I’m so looking forward to doing that.
“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.”
She 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.”
received her meteorological training at The Weather Channel, the Met Office and the BBC, before joining the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998.
She began broadcasting on the BBC News channel and soon added and all other BBC outlets that feature weather.
Since 2010, she has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast.
Her , Royal Ascot and events.
In May 2022, she to now husband Steve Randall while presenting at the .
In recent years, she has also become an , publishing .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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