It might be April Fools’ Day, but Carol Kirkwood is actually leaving the BBC after almost 30 years – and it’s no prank.
Kirkwood, 63, will be hosting her final weather update on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning (1 April), much to the sadness of viewers and hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.
The TV star told the BBC she “can’t believe this day has come”, having first announced the news in January. She called it “the right moment to step away” – but said her decision to leave wasn’t “an easy” one to make.
“My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute,” Kirkwood continued, adding: “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.”
Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998 and began broadcasting on the BBC News channel, before making regular appearances on BBC One. She has been BBC Breakfast’s main weather presenter since 2010.
Find updates from Kirkwood’s final weather broadcast below.
Bryan Adams sends surprise farewell message
Carol’s jaw dropped when she saw she’d received a message from “Summer of ‘69” singer Bryan Adams.
Carol had a memorable back-and-forth with the star when he appeared on BBC Breakfast in 2015, telling her she “looked wonderful” and couldn’t wait to “see her dancing” on Strictly.
“Thank you, Bryan – how on earth can I do the weather now? I have no idea,” the flustered hosty responded.
Ahead of her departure, Adams said: “Hi Carol. Just wanted to say thanks for all the great weather reports over the years and good luck wherever you land. Take care, lots of love.”
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 08:09
‘You have changed the way weather has been reported on television’
The Chelesa Flower Show, Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, The poppies at the Tower of London: these are just a few of the places Carol Kirkwood has presented the weather from.
The weather host is presented with a sweet tribute from stars Sue Barker, Zoe Ball, Paul Merton, Chris Evans, Judy Murray, Sir Chris Hoy and Vicky McClure – the star of her favourite TV show Line of Duty.
Clare Balding says it’ll be nice to have Carol at Wimbledon next year, but sitting in the royal box.
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:58
Celebrations ahead for Carol’s final episode
“We’ve got some special treats for the last couple of hours,” Sally Nugent teased before Jon Kay read a touching message from one of the weather host’s fans – in Holland!
“What a beautiful message,” Kirkwood beamed, before turning her attention to the matter at hand.
“The weather’s not quite so beautiful for the next few days, sadly. Bringing the tone down once again.”
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:50
‘Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past!’
Carol Kirkwood woke up at the terribly early time of 2.45am to make it into the BBC Breakfast studios in time. But now she’s retiring, she can look forward to getting more sleep – and she’ll have one less thing to do every night.
“Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past!” she told the BBC. “What is a lie in? I have no idea.”
She added that she’s “in denial” about not having to wake up early. “It’s going to be so weird – for 28 years, I’ve been waking up at quarter to three!
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:45
Why did Carol Kirkwood decide to retire?
When Carol Kirkwood announced she was leaving the BBC back in January, the weather host shed some light on the reason behind her decision – and it came down to family commitments.
“I want to spend more time with my gorgeous husband Steve. We’re ships that pass in the night, so I’m really looking forward to doing that. We want to travel as well,” she said of police officer Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023.
“I’ve loved my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC – but I love my husband more than my job.”
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:43
Carol Kirkwood made BBC debut 28 years ago
Nobody could have quite predicted the enduring face Carol Kirkwood would become for the BBC when she made her modest debut on 28 April 1998.
She joined BBC News as weather host after being trained under the guidance of the corporation at the Met Office.
Before becoming a weather presenter, she had presented short slots on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 in the 1980s – but paused her broadcasting career following her marriage to cricketer Jimmy Kirkwood.
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:39
How Carol Kirkwood remained such a ray of sunshine despite early starts
You might wonder how Carol Kirkwood always remained so smiley despite waking up at 2.30am to make it into the BBC Breakfast studios on time.
Well, according to the presenter herself, “it helps that I absolutely LOVE the weather and talking about it on the TV”.
She told the BBC ahead of her departure: “Over the last 25 years, I’ve seen huge changes in the technology behind the forecast and on camera, but the one thing that stays the same is our fascination with the wonder of weather.
“I’ll miss doing the forecast hugely and the connection it has brought me with audiences right across the UK. But I am looking forward to some lie-ins and exploring the weather elsewhere around the world.”
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:23
‘It’s going to be a cloudier day than it was yesterday’
Carol Kirkwood, there, hosting one of her final weather segments, but she could easily be hinting at the fact she’s leaving the BBC. We’ll miss her friendly demeanour!
Sally Nugent has teased some more celebrations for the outgoing weather presenter in approximately 25 minutes…
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:18
Carol Kirkwood shown career highlights video
Carol Kirkwood teased a change of heart while being welcomed to her final episode by BBC Breakfast hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay.
“I might just stay now that I’m on the sofa,” she quipped, before being shown a highlights compilation of her most memorable moments from the last 28 years.
Kirkwood smiled as she watched the video, calling it “amazing”. It’s certainly going to be one emotional day for the TV star.
Jacob Stolworthy1 April 2026 07:14