If you’re wondering why Carol Kirkwood is no longer presenting the weather on BBC Breakfast, there’s a straightforward answer: she retired from the BBC in April 2026. Her departure brought a long broadcasting career to a close, while leaving room for travel, married life and writing.
Here’s a closer look at the Scottish presenter’s background, her relationship with Steve Randall and the novels that have become another important part of her career.
Who Is Carol Kirkwood?
Carol Kirkwood is a Scottish broadcaster and novelist best known for presenting the weather on BBC Breakfast. Originally from Morar on Scotland’s west coast, she became a familiar presence through her forecasts, outdoor broadcasts and conversations with the programme’s presenters.
Her career also extended beyond breakfast television. Viewers may recognise her from Wimbledon coverage or her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, while readers know her through romantic fiction. Her publisher describes travel and Hollywood glamour as inspirations for her writing.
That combination helps explain the continuing interest in her. Some people want to revisit her television career; others are looking for her latest book or an update on life after the BBC.
How Carol Kirkwood Built Her Broadcasting Career
Kirkwood’s route into weather presenting was gradual. After studying commerce at Napier in Edinburgh, she initially joined the BBC’s secretarial reserve in London in 1984.
She later gained experience in radio and television, including presenting and training work. In 1996, she joined The Weather Channel, before moving to the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998 following meteorological training with The Weather Channel, the Met Office and the BBC.
Becoming a BBC Breakfast Regular
Kirkwood became BBC Breakfast’s main weather presenter in 2010. Alongside studio forecasts, she broadcast from events and locations including Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show.
These appearances gave her work variety. She could move from explaining the national outlook to reporting outdoors, where changing conditions and live television required flexibility. Her broadcasting career also included contributions to The One Show.
Her friendly delivery was part of her appeal, but the job also depended on preparation: turning detailed weather information into a forecast people could use before leaving home.
Why Did Carol Kirkwood Leave BBC Breakfast?
Kirkwood announced her departure in January 2026 and delivered her final BBC Breakfast forecast on 1 April 2026. The farewell included tributes from colleagues and a surprise appearance by her husband, Steve Randall.
Her explanation centred on wanting more time with her husband and the freedom to travel. She spoke warmly about her work while explaining that she was ready to change the balance of her life.
In an interview around her departure, Kirkwood described looking forward to evenings without worrying about an extremely early alarm. Travel, walking and writing were among the activities she wanted more time to enjoy.
For readers finding older profiles, the timing matters. Articles describing her as BBC Breakfast’s current weather presenter may predate her retirement.
Who Is Carol Kirkwood’s Husband?
Carol Kirkwood is married to Steve Randall. Their wedding took place in Buckinghamshire on 27 December 2023, with the news shared publicly shortly afterwards.
Reporting at the time included congratulations from BBC Breakfast and Kirkwood’s own description of a small, intimate celebration.
Although her television work made her highly recognisable, Kirkwood has drawn a distinction between her public career and the privacy of those around her. She previously explained that her partner, family and friends had not chosen a life in the public eye.
Her marriage is relevant to her retirement because she has openly connected the two. Further speculation about the couple’s private life adds little to that clear explanation.
Carol Kirkwood on Strictly Come Dancing
Kirkwood competed in the 2015 series of Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev.
The programme showed viewers a different side of someone usually associated with weather maps and early morning broadcasts. Instead of delivering a forecast, she was learning choreography and performing live routines.
Their dances included a foxtrot, quickstep and Viennese waltz. They finished in tenth place after leaving the competition in November 2015.
For anyone revisiting her appearance, searching by her name, Kovalev’s name and the 2015 series will help distinguish original performances from later interviews and retrospective clips.
Carol Kirkwood’s Books: Where Should You Start?
Writing has become a substantial part of Kirkwood’s public career. Her publisher lists novels including:
- Under a Greek Moon
- The Hotel on the Riviera
- Secrets of the Villa Amore
- Once Upon a Time in Venice
- Meet Me at Sunset
- The Christmas Invitation
Her fiction draws on the appeal of travel, romance and glamorous settings. These are novels rather than accounts of her broadcasting career.
A Simple Guide for New Readers
If you’re choosing your first Carol Kirkwood book:
- Read the synopsis. Choose the setting and central storyline that interest you most.
- Try a sample. A few pages can help you decide whether you enjoy the writing.
- Check the publication date. Retailers may display forthcoming books alongside available titles.
As of 19 October 2026, The Christmas Invitation is scheduled for publication on 22 October 2026. Its story centres on a Christmas gathering in the Cotswolds, with romantic history and secrets shaping the plot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Carol Kirkwood retired?
Yes. Kirkwood retired from her BBC weather-presenting role and made her final BBC Breakfast appearance on 1 April 2026.
Where is Carol Kirkwood from?
She is from Morar, on the west coast of Scotland.
Who is Carol Kirkwood married to?
She is married to Steve Randall. They married in Buckinghamshire in December 2023.
Was Carol Kirkwood on Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes. She competed in 2015 with Pasha Kovalev and finished in tenth place.
What kind of books does Carol Kirkwood write?
She writes romantic fiction. Her titles include Under a Greek Moon, The Hotel on the Riviera and Secrets of the Villa Amore.
A New Chapter for Carol Kirkwood
Carol Kirkwood’s career connects weather broadcasting, entertainment and fiction. Her BBC departure marked a significant change, with more time for her husband, travel and interests beyond the early morning schedule.
If you know her mainly through television, reading a sample of one of her novels is a useful way to explore the next part of her career.
Read more : Headlinesnews.co.uk
