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, whom she wed at the end of 2023.

‘We only got married a couple of years ago and we’re ships that pass in the night so I’m so looking forward to doing that,’ she said, adding that the pair hope to travel.

Turning to Sally and Jon, she added: ‘I didn’t want to get emotional but you two are my friends and I love you dearly.’

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. 

Carol Kirkwood was on the verge of tears as she announced she would leave the BBC after more than 25 years (seen announcing the news on BBC Breakfast today)

Carol with Naga Munchetty, Jon Kay and Sally Nugent cutting a cake to celebrate 40 years of BBC Breakfast in 2023

Carol poses with Rufus the falcon on centre court at Wimbledon, who is famed for scaring away birds during the summer tennis championship

Carol competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 with Pasha Kovalev, ultimately finishing 10th