Carol Kirkwood was left in tears as she signed off her final BBC Breakfast show on April 1.
Carol Kirkwood had her last day on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)
Carol Kirkwood was moved to tears when her husband Steve made an unexpected appearance during her final BBC Breakfast show. The 63-year-old weather presenter is departing from her role today (April 1) after nearly three decades with the broadcaster, following her exit announcement in January. To Carol’s utter surprise, her husband Steve appeared with a large bouquet of flowers, secretly organised by the Breakfast team and Steve himself, leaving her utterly astounded. She humorously claimed he was “in trouble” for not letting her in on the secret. As she bid farewell, Carol became tearful, expressing: “Thank you for letting me be part of your lives,” while her husband declared he was the “proudest and luckiest man in the world,” leading Carol to concur with her spouse. She informed viewers that she didn’t have a “detailed forecast” for her life.
She also playfully told colleagues Sally Nugent and Jon Kay to anticipate her return to the studio on Monday. Following a star-filled tribute montage featuring Judy Murray, Bryan Adams and Clare Balding, Carol expressed her fondness for her time with the organisation. When questioned if she was ready to switch off the pre-3am alarm clock, Carol responded: “No, I think I’m in denial. I expect I’ll rock up on Monday,” reports the Mirror.
Carol Kirkwood was surprised by her husband (Image: BBC)
She continued: “For 28 years, I’ve been getting up at quarter to three. But you know, I’m privileged. I do a fabulous job. I’m not running into burning buildings and saving lives.”No, I think I’m in denial. I expect I’ll rock up on Monday.
She went on: “But it’s going to be weird. It’s going to be weird not speaking to our lovely audience all our viewers. Not seeing everyone. Not seeing the crew, both in front and behind the camera, not just in breakfast, but also in BBC Weather as well. It’s it’s going to be different, and I’m going to miss everyone horribly.”
Earlier in the programme, the show also delivered a special tribute to the weather presenter on her final broadcast. Prior to her last appearance, Carol Kirkwood has been flooded with messages from friends and colleagues with Sally Nugent and Jon Kay admitting they had received thousands of heartfelt sentiments from the public.
The veteran presenter was spotted laughing and beaming as the nostalgic clip featured numerous highlights from her tenure on the show.
The footage also displayed touching messages from staff and admirers alike as they recounted their favourite moments with the star. She was described as the nation’s “comfort blanket” as fans expressed gratitude for “brightening our days”.
After the nearly five-minute montage, Sally proceeded to thank the star, stating: “I think we forget sometimes, because we’re so lucky to have you here with us, we forget all the people at home who are your friends too.” Sally enquired if she could have a copy of the messages, but Jon quipped: “I don’t think there are enough trees on the planet.”No, I think I’m in denial. I expect I’ll rock up on Monday.
Carol Kirkwood’s husband Steve presented her with flowers (Image: BBC)
She went on: “Everybody I have met at home has been so special,” gushed Carol as she reflected on her tenure with the programme. “They are the best audience,” she added. Carol also joked she had been told her voice had been helping put babies to sleep over the years. “The lovely warmth feel and family feel about it, it’s special,” Carol said about the atmosphere on Breakfast.
Making an appearance, former anchor Susanna Reid said: “You have such a way about you and that infectious smile that we will all miss. Remember that time I was sitting alongside Bill [Turnbull] on the BBC Breakfast sofa, and you told us we were going to experience temperatures of 99 degrees across the UK.”
Speaking about her late colleague, Bill Turnbull, Carol said: “He was such a sweetheart, wasn’t he, Billy, he was so kind, he would say ‘Kirky, behave yourself, you’re a naughty girl.”
Meanwhile, Sally told Carol: “We were so lucky to hold onto you for so long but the thing I’m most excited about, this is happy ever after, no-one deserves it more than you.”
“I’m the lucky one,” Carol said. During the show, Carol revealed her delight at meeting the one celebrity she’d longed to encounter – Larry the Cat. During a pre-recorded segment, Carol was transported to 10 Downing Street, where she got to cuddle the Chief Mouser. “He’s a wee dreamboat,” she gushed, adding: “He’s gorgeous, he’s so well behaved, he’s so dainty, I’m in love.” She added: “Oh Larry – he was a delight, he’s so soft, he’s a perfect gentleman.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also appeared, wishing Carol well, describing her as a “staple” for viewers each morning. As the entire Breakfast team gathered, Naga Munchetty quipped that she was only present for the “countdown” for Carol “to go.” She subsequently joked she was displaying a “rare glimpse” of a kinder side to her, with Carol responding: “I think I need smelling salts,” while laughing.
