Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has announced her departure from the BBC with a heartfelt statement.
The 63-year-old first joined the national broadcaster in 1998 and has been a staple of BBC Breakfast for over a quarter-of-a-century.
Sharing that she has ‘loved every minute’ of her time working there, she continued: ‘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.’
Calling it an ‘absolute privilege’ to tell viewers the weather, she said she doesn’t ‘take her job for granted’ as she grew emotional saying her farewell.
In her final send-off, she added: ‘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.
‘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.’
After presenting on the BBC News channel, she moved to BBC One before starting her regular gig on BBC Breakfast in 2010.
Alongside her prowess as a forecaster in the studio, she was also sent to major events like Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and royal events where she regaled the weather, live.
In 2015, the beloved TV personality competed on Strictly Come Dancing, reaching week eight with her partner Pasha Kovalev.
As for her plans for the future, she shared that she wants to spend more time with Steve, her ‘gorgeous husband’. ‘We only married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night,’ she said.
Offscreen, she is a Sunday Times bestseller with a series of romance travel books, which she plans to continue working on, and, of course, she plans to keep on travelling.
Jonathan Munro, the interim CEO of BBC News, praised Kirkwood for making 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.
‘She will be greatly missed by teams across the BBC. We wish her all the best for the future,’ he said.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
