Tearful Carol Kirkwood breaks down as she pronounces she is leaving the BBC reside on TV after greater than 25 years

BBC weather legend Carol Kirkwood fought back tears as she revealed today that she will leave BBC in April – after more than 25 years with the broadcaster.

The 63-year-old struggled to get her words out as she announced the news on BBC Breakfast this morning immediately after delivering the forecast.

Met Office-trained Carol choked up as she joined presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay on the programme’s sofa and said: ‘So, I’m going to be leaving – and it’s really hard, really hard for me to say this because I love my job.

‘But it’s great – I don’t want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, “I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!”.’

Carol, who hails from Morar in the Scottish Highlands, says she plans to spend more time with her husband Steve, who she wed at the end of 2023.

In a written statement, she added that leaving the broadcaster after more than two and a half decades ‘hasn’t been an easy decision to make’, but added it ‘feels like the right moment to step away’.

She said: ‘It’s been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day. My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute!

‘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.

‘And 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. 

‘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.’

This is a breaking news story – more to follow. 

Legendary BBC weathercaster Carol Kirkwood is leaving the broadcaster after more than 25 years, she has confirmed