BBC Breakfast weather presenter to leave after 25 years

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood is to leave the BBC after more than 25 years.

The 63-year-old became emotional on BBC Breakfast as she announced her decision, explaining it was “really hard for me to say this because I love my job”.

Kirkwood, who joined the BBC in 1998, will leave in April and said she had “loved every minute”.

After her regular morning forecast, she joined her co-presenters on the Breakfast sofa, telling them she was looking forward to spending more time with her husband and going travelling.

“I love my husband more than my job,” she said.

Speaking to presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, she said: “I didn’t want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly.”

Asked about an end to early-morning starts, she joked: “What is a lie in? I have no idea. Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away,” she said. “I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.”

Kirkwood 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 went on to appear regularly on BBC One. She has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010.

Kirkwood said it had been an “absolute privilege” to bring viewers the weather every day.

“My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute,” she said.

“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 added: “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.”

As well as fronting the daily bulletins, Kirkwood often presented the weather on location, from events such as Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and royal events.

She has also reported for The One Show and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, reaching week eight with her partner Pasha Kovalev.

Kirkwood has received several industry honours across her career, including repeatedly being named best TV weather presenter at the TV and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) Awards.

Jonathan Munro, the interim CEO of BBC News, said Kirkwood had made an “exceptional” contribution to the corporation.

“From major national moments to the everyday forecasts that are such an important part of our audiences’ lives, she has set the gold standard for our accurate, valued journalism – always delivered with an appropriately sunny outlook,” he said.

“She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC. We wish her all the best for the future.”