Carol Kirkwood Bids Emotional Farewell to BBC Breakfast After 30 Years: “I’m Going to Miss You All”
The time has come. After nearly three decades of delivering weather forecasts with her signature warmth and charm, Carol Kirkwood is officially signing off from BBC Breakfast today, April 1, 2026, marking the end of an era.
The 63-year-old presenter, who has been a staple of the BBC for almost 30 years, announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down from her position to spend more time with her beloved husband, Steve. As her final broadcast approaches, Carol has been showered with heartfelt tributes from friends, colleagues, and viewers alike.
In a touching moment shared on social media by her colleague Peter Ruddick, he posted a behind-the-scenes snapshot of Carol on set, where he shared the news with his followers. “More importantly, it’s our Carol’s last @bbcbreakfast shift. I’ve been refusing to accept this but it is happening,” Peter wrote, adding an emotional note that perfectly encapsulated the bittersweet moment.
Carol responded with her signature warmth, “Oh, I’m going to miss you too, Peter. We go back a long way,” referring to their shared experiences working together. The pair, having worked closely for years, shared a heartfelt embrace on air. Peter, visibly emotional, added, “Well, the nation is going to miss you. We are all going to miss you here.”
For Carol, the decision to leave was not an easy one. In an emotional exchange with Jon Kay and Sally Nugent earlier this week, she opened up about the bittersweet moment. “It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job,” she said. “I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with, and of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s time. I don’t want to come in on my zimmer frame and say, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!’”
As her last day approached, Carol received a special honor that left her speechless. While presenting the weather from RHS Wisley, the director of gardens and horticulture, Tim Upson, revealed that the official Met Office weather station at the venue would now be renamed the Carol Kirkwood Weather Site. Overcome with emotion, Carol exclaimed, “Oh my goodness! How wonderful is that? That is just fabulous!”
As Carol departs, her colleagues and the entire BBC Breakfast team are feeling the impact of her departure. Her cheerful, bright presence will undoubtedly be missed by millions of viewers who’ve watched her through every storm and sunshine. But it’s not just the BBC team who will feel her absence. As Peter and Tom said, “The nation will miss you.”
But Carol’s journey isn’t ending—she’s looking forward to a new chapter. When asked about her post-BBC plans, she laughed and said, “Then, freedom! First thing I’m doing? That alarm clock, straight out!”
Though Carol’s final forecast has been delivered, her legacy on BBC Breakfast will forever remain etched in the hearts of viewers. As she takes this next step, we can’t help but wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life. Thank you, Carol, for brightening our mornings for almost 30 years!
