Carol Kirkwood delivered her final weather forecast, bringing to a close a near three-decade career at the BBC.
The 63-year-old signed off from BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, prompting tributes from viewers and colleagues, including presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.
It unfolded much like any of the segments she has delivered over the past 28 years.
After advising viewers to brace for cold and blustery conditions, Sally Nugent and Jon Kay broke into applause, describing the forecast as “perfect”.
“Shame about the weather, though,” Kay quipped.
Prior to her final bulletin, Nugent told her: “You have changed the way that weather is reported in television.”
Reflecting on her time with the broadcaster, Kirkwood highlighted moments including Wimbledon, the poppies installation at the Tower of London, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot. Nugent joked: “When you go to an event with Carol, it is a little bit like going to an event with the queen.”
Kirkwood said she had met countless people who had become “good true friends” over the years.
Asked whether the reality of leaving had sunk in, she admitted: “Not at all, I think I'm in denial, I'll probably rock up on Monday. I'm going to miss everyone horribly.”
Her departure was first announced in January, with Kirkwood explaining she hoped to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023.
Describing the decision as difficult but timely, she said: “I'll carry with me the most wonderful memories.” Asked about leaving behind early starts, she joked: “What is a lie in? I have no idea. Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past.”
Tributes also came from former BBC Breakfast presenter Susanna Reid, who sent a message from the Good Morning Britain studio.
“Remember the time I was sitting alongside Bill Turnbull and you told us we were going to experience temperatures of 99 degrees celsius across the UK, causing a slightly bemused nation to wonder how to dress for the day ahead!” she laughed.
Kirkwood was also reunited with Flash, the dog that once famously pulled her off screen during a live broadcast.
Speaking previously about her departure, she said she “can’t believe this day has come”, describing it as “the right moment to step away” while acknowledging it had not been “an easy” decision.
“My job is something I've never taken for granted and I've loved every minute,” 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.”
Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998, initially appearing on the BBC News channel before becoming a regular on BBC One. She has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010.
