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

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has said she will leave the BBC after more than 25 years.

Kirkwood, who will step down in April, is a familiar face to viewers on BBC Breakfast where she has been the main weather presenter since 2010.

She joined the BBC in 1998 and has also played an integral role in major events, including reporting on the sunshine and showers at Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot.

Kirkwood 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.”

Kirkwood fought back tears as she announced she would be leaving after presenting a weather segment on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday morning.

Presenters Sally Nugent and John Kay asked her to join them on the sofa as she had something to say.

A visibly emotional Kirkwood told them: “So I’m going to be leaving.

“It’s really hard – really hard – for me to say this. I love my job. I love 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.”

Kirkwood joked: “I don’t want to be coming in on my zimmer frame, going ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles any more’.”

She added: “I’m going to be spending more time with Steve, my gorgeous husband.

“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.”

She also said they want to spend time travelling, and also joked: “What is a lie-in? I have no idea!”

Jonathan Munro, interim chief executive at BBC News and Current Affairs, said: “Carol’s contribution to BBC News and BBC Weather has been exceptional.

“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.

“She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC.

“We wish her all the best for the future.”

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 has been honoured numerous times by the Television and Radio Industries Club, where she has repeatedly been named best TV weather presenter.

In 2015 she competed in Strictly Come Dancing, reaching week eight alongside her professional partner Pasha Kovalev.