Carol Kirkwood declares she ‘suffered for years’ on BBC Breakfast

The BBC star left the programme in April.

Carol Kirkwood was ‘suffering’ on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)

Carol Kirkwood has admitted that she “suffered for years” as she “threw away her alarm clock” after bidding farewell to her role on BBC Breakfast. She has shared how she celebrated the freedom to “do what she wants when she wants” following nearly three decades in front of the camera.

The meteorologist and weather presenter announced she would be stepping down from the programme back in January, delivering an emotional on-screen farewell to viewers. Carol, 63, then presented her final broadcast in April, revealing at the time that she intended to devote more time to her husband, police officer Steve Randall. Now, the presenter has confessed she is thoroughly enjoying the freedom of no longer being tied to the BBC Breakfast schedule, admitting “the hours” were the most gruelling aspect of the role.

Carol wanted to spend more time with her husband, Steve (Image: BBC)

She told The Telegraph: “I had to set my alarm at 2:45am and that’s not a natural time to get up, even if you’ve gone to bed at seven o’clock the previous evening. For years now, I’ve suffered from a low-grade version of jet lag.

“My last forecast was on April 1 and on April 2, I threw my alarm clock into the bin.

“I’ve loved my job but I love my husband more, and now I want us to be more than ships that pass in the night… I’m hugely looking forward to fulfilling some of our dreams. Top of the list will be travel.”

Carol disclosed that since discarding her alarm clock, she had experienced “a sense of clearing in her head”, appreciating that she can do “what I want, when I want”.

The television personality confessed that amongst her most cherished pastimes were “sitting in the garden in the evening sunshine and reading a book with a glass of wine”.

The presenter has equally been occupied “writing her latest novel rather than squeezing it in between the demands of her crazy schedule” – with her most recent title set for hardback release in October.

When she left the programme, Carol delivered an emotional message. She told viewers: “After 28 years as a BBC weather presenter, tracking storms, chasing sunshine, and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I’m saying goodbye.

“When I first walked into this studio, I could never have imagined what was ahead. Back then the graphics were simpler, the maps were a bit clunkier and I had a lot less grey hair than this.

“But one thing has never changed, and that is the privilege and honour of being welcomed into your homes. Thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow, to big national events and the everyday question of: ‘Do I need to take a brolly?’

“You’ve been the constant in all of this, and I’ve never taken that for granted. I’m really going to miss you… I owe you all so much.” She went on: “This job has given me so much more than a career, it’s given me memories, I’ll carry them forever. Friendships I treasure deeply.

“It’s time for a new chapter, a bit more time with Steve, and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives.”