Carol Kirkwood: Why the time is right for me to retire - and what's next

Carol Kirkwood, the esteemed weather presenter for BBC Breakfast, has officially announced her retirement after an impressive 28-year tenure with the BBC. Since joining the network nearly three decades ago, Kirkwood has become an iconic figure, often rising before dawn at 2:45 am to deliver weather forecasts to millions of viewers across the nation.

In her reflections, she expressed that leaving the rigorous early morning routine is a welcomed transition: it's "well and truly going in the bin."

Throughout her career, Kirkwood has had the unique opportunity to present from numerous locations, fostering connections with the public. She has conveyed her deep gratitude for the kindness she has received over the years. Some of her most memorable moments include covering prestigious events such as Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show.

Kirkwood initially disclosed her retirement plans in February. As her final days at the BBC approached, she described the experience as both surreal and emotional. In a touching farewell, she was presented with a rare gold poppy while reporting from the Tower of London, a testament to the affection and respect she has garnered from both colleagues and the viewing public.

At 63 years old, Kirkwood, who hails from Morar on Scotland's west coast, is eagerly anticipating the next chapter of her life. She plans to focus on her marriage to police officer Steve Randall and embark on travels together. She envisions enjoying the freedoms of retirement, which include serene evenings in the garden and leisurely trips, liberated from the demands of an early work schedule.

In addition to travel, Kirkwood has plans to rekindle her passion for writing. She is set to publish her sixth romance novel in October and intends to continue crafting more works. Furthermore, she is interested in exploring hobbies such as learning the guitar and potentially welcoming cats into her home.

Throughout her illustrious career, Kirkwood has been honored with multiple accolades, recognized as the best TV weather presenter on several occasions. She fondly reminisced about the advancements in weather forecasting on television, noting the shift from basic graphics to the highly interactive and diverse presentations prevalent today.

As she embarks on this new journey into retirement, Kirkwood offers valuable advice to aspiring presenters: to chase their dreams with unrelenting dedication. With a positive outlook toward the future, she is excited to embrace the fulfilling retirement she has worked diligently to achieve.