Inside Carol Kirkwood’s retirement away from the BBC with husband of 2 years

TV viewers have woken up to Carol Kirkwood‘s warm, sunny presence on BBC Breakfast for the last 28 years, and now her final day as the programme’s much-loved weather presenter has arrived.

Carol, 63, first joined the BBC in April 1998 and has since established herself as a beloved member of the presenting line-up.

After nearly three decades delivering the forecast, she announced in January that she would be stepping away, thanking viewers for their unwavering support over the years.

Ahead of her final show on Wednesday 1 April, we’re taking a look at Carol’s life after her BBC retirement, which she plans to spend with her husband of just over two years, Steve Randall.

What will Carol do after her BBC retirement?

First things first, there’s one question Carol has been asked many times since announcing her departure: what will top her agenda on her first day of freedom?

“First thing I’m doing? That alarm clock, straight out!” Carol said. After that, she revealed she’s looking forward to spending some hard-earned quality time with her “gorgeous husband”, Steve.

“We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re like ships that pass in the night, so I’m so looking forward to doing that,” she said. 

Alongside enjoying time with her partner, Carol has plenty of plans. “I’ve still got my books, I’ve got other bits and pieces. I want to travel as well,” she said. 

Carol hails from Morar in Inverness-shire, Scotland, which may well feature on her travel list now she’s no longer tied to her presenting schedule. Reflecting on her hometown, she told Good Housekeeping in 2023: “I think I appreciate it more now than when I actually lived there. The silver sands are breathtaking. Then there’s Loch Morar and the Morar River, which are both gorgeous.”

While she ticks off destinations further afield, there’s also a chance she’ll be spotted in some of her favourite London spots.

“In the summer months, you’ll often find me at the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot, and Wimbledon – usually when the grounds are empty,” she previously told Good Housekeeping in her BBC days.

Who is Carol’s husband?

Carol was previously married to cricketer Jimmy Kirkwood for 25 years before meeting Steve in her 50s.

The pair met by chance at a work event that Carol had almost skipped. “I wasn’t even going to go to this event at first,” she told Good Housekeeping. “We met at a work function, where I was a guest and Steve was working and we just hit it off. We were friends for quite a long time, before we became romantically involved.”

They tied the knot in Buckinghamshire in December 2023. “It was the most perfect and romantic and intimate wedding. We are both so incredibly happy,” she told BBC Breakfast afterwards.

Carol’s final farewells

The past week has been bittersweet for Carol as she wrapped up her presenting duties across various locations in the UK.

On Wednesday 25 March, she was surprised with a gold poppy ornament by the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London, marking her many years of broadcasting from the historic site.

Meanwhile, on Monday, Royal Horticultural Society director Tim Upson unveiled a weather station named in her honour. “We’ve got this wonderful official Met Office site up on the hill. We are going to rename it the Carol Kirkwood Weather Site,” he told her.

“How wonderful is that? Oh, my goodness! Thank you so much, Tim. That is just fabulous. I think I’m going to have to put this on the outside of my house,” she said with a grin.

Carol’s sad departure 

Carol announced her sad departure live on air back in January. Speaking to BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, she said: “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.

“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.”