As Carol Kirkwood prepares to deliver her final forecast for the BBC tomorrow, we're reflecting on nearly three decades of warmth, wit and wonderfully delivered weather. For many, she hasn’t just been the face of the forecast — she’s been part of the morning routine, a reassuring presence through heatwaves, storms and everything in between.
It was announced in early March that Carol Kirkwood was leaving the BBC. She explained that she wanted to spend more time with her husband Steve, adding: “We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night, so I’m really looking forward to that. We want to travel as well.”
From red-carpet glamour to red weather warnings, here’s a look back at some of Carol’s most memorable BBC moments.
1. Becoming the nation’s morning ray of sunshine
When Carol joined BBC Weather in 1998, few could have predicted just how beloved she would become. Her regular appearances on BBC Breakfast made her a household name, delivering forecasts with a signature blend of clarity and cheerfulness — even when the outlook was decidedly grey.
There was something uniquely comforting about Carol standing in front of swirling weather maps at 6:15am, calmly explaining low-pressure systems while much of the country was still reaching for its first cup of tea. Through political upheaval, global events and national milestones, her presence remained a constant.
2. Dancing into the nation’s hearts on Strictly Come Dancing
In 2015, Carol swapped isobars for the ballroom when she competed in Strictly Come Dancing. Partnered with Pasha Kovalev, she surprised many with her elegance and determination, reaching Week 7 of the competition.
Her graceful waltz and lively Charleston showcased a different side to the seasoned broadcaster — and endeared her to an even wider audience. Ever the professional, she balanced gruelling dance rehearsals with early morning weather shifts, proving her trademark resilience and work ethic.
3. Weathering the storms, quite literally!
Throughout her BBC career, Carol covered some of the most dramatic weather events in recent UK history. From severe winter snowstorms that brought parts of the country to a standstill to record-breaking summer heatwaves, she became a trusted voice during extreme conditions.
Her coverage of major storms — calmly explaining Met Office warnings and advising viewers on safety — demonstrated the vital role weather presenters play. While others might dramatise, Carol informed. Her steady delivery during red weather alerts reassured millions.
Each time, Carol handled the chaos with her trademark warmth — proving that while you can predict a cold snap, you can’t always predict a cocker spaniel.
4. When the dogs took over live TV
If there’s one unpredictable force even more powerful than the British weather, it’s a live dog on television — and Carol has had more than her fair share of unforgettable canine encounters.
One of the most talked-about moments came at Wimbledon in July 2023. Reporting from the grounds, Carol crouched down alongside a search dog named Ray — only for him to suddenly bolt after his tennis ball. Still holding on, she was gently but decisively pulled forward, ending up on the grass in a moment that instantly delighted viewers. Ever the professional, she quickly recovered, laughing the whole thing off.
It wasn’t the first time a four-legged friend had upstaged her. Back in September 2021 at the Chelsea Flower Show, a guide dog puppy named Flash decided he’d had quite enough of standing still. In scenes that felt like déjà vu, the enthusiastic pup tugged Carol off balance mid-forecast, creating another classic live-TV moment.
Then there have been the puppy-filled studio segments — particularly during features on guide dogs — where excitable young recruits have clambered over her, chewed her microphone and generally stolen the spotlight. In one especially chaotic clip, Carol could be heard laughing, “Get off my mic, you little monkey!” as a playful pup nibbled at her equipment.
Rather than flustered, Carol has always seen the funny side. She’s joked about her “history with dogs” and laughed about her “bruised ego” afterwards, embracing the unpredictability that comes with live broadcasting.
5. Those delightfully human live-TV slip-ups
Even the most seasoned broadcasters are not immune to the occasional on-air muddle — and some of Carol’s most endearing moments have come when things haven’t gone entirely to script.
In April 2021, she was left momentarily mortified after accidentally calling presenter Ben Thompson “Dan” — a slip of the tongue referencing her former longtime colleague Dan Walker. Realising her mistake almost instantly, Carol apologised as the studio dissolved into laughter, with Ben taking it entirely in good humour.
More recently, in January 2025, she found herself playfully teased by Naga Munchetty after getting momentarily tangled between Nina Warhurst and Naga while signing off. Referring to them as “Nina and Naga,” she prompted a joking reminder that she has, on occasion, even called Naga “Nana.” The light-hearted exchange only added to the easy camaraderie viewers love.
And in February 2025, during a live segment, Carol slipped again — this time calling Sarah Campbell, who was standing in for Sally Nugent, “Sal.” A swift apology followed, along with plenty of laughter from the sofa.
Far from detracting from her professionalism, these fleeting fluffs made Carol all the more relatable.
6. Sharing her engagement live on air
In May 2022, viewers were treated to a truly heartwarming moment when Carol shared some personal sunshine of her own — announcing her engagement live on BBC Breakfast.
Broadcasting from the Chelsea Flower Show on Monday 23 May, Carol’s sparkling ring didn’t go unnoticed. Back in the studio, Sally Nugent spotted what she jokingly described as a “giant rock” and asked Carol to share her news.
Beaming, Carol revealed that her partner, Steve Randall, had proposed during a romantic picnic by a river in Berkshire while they were on holiday. “We got engaged when we were on holiday, so it’s lovely news and we’re both thrilled. Thank you!” she told her colleagues on the sofa.
At 59, Carol’s joyful announcement resonated with many viewers, who loved seeing her so happy. It was a beautifully unscripted moment — personal, sincere and full of the warmth she has brought to audiences for decades.
Nearly three decades of dedication
Longevity in broadcasting is no small feat, and Carol’s enduring popularity speaks volumes. In an industry that has transformed dramatically since the late 1990s — from magnetic weather boards to high-definition interactive graphics — she adapted seamlessly.
Yet while technology changed, Carol’s core appeal did not. She remained relatable, knowledgeable and reassuring — the presenter who could explain a complex jet stream pattern in plain English while making it feel like a chat over the garden fence.
We will miss you so much Carol!
Claire Tapley is a digital editor for Yours.co.uk. She is a journalist with over 18 years' experience writing for women over 50. Before moving to Yours.co.uk, she was deputy editor of Yours magazine for nine years. Claire is extremely passionate about all things TV related, with her favourite shows including Traitors, Strictly and The Great British Bake Off.