Carol Kirkwood may have waved goodbye to BBC Breakfast after an incredible 28 years, but the beloved weather presenter is far from slowing down. In fact, her life away from the cameras has left even fellow BBC stars completely stunned.
The 63-year-old officially stepped away from the corporation in April, delivering an emotional farewell that moved viewers across the UK. During her final speech, Carol thanked audiences for trusting her through “heatwaves or snow” and reflected warmly on the friendships she built behind the scenes.
She said: “We’ve shared breaking news, long shifts, plenty of laughter, bad hair days, and the occasional moment of pure chaos. And do you know what? I wouldn’t change a second of it.”
But while millions knew Carol as the smiling face delivering the nation’s forecasts each morning, many had no idea she had quietly built an entirely different career behind the scenes.
During an appearance on the Pottering with Tom Allen podcast, Gardeners’ World star Carol Klein appeared genuinely shocked after discovering Carol had become a successful novelist.
After praising Carol as “lovely” and “a keen gardener,” host Tom Allen interrupted to reveal: “She’s a great writer as well.”
Clearly stunned, Carol Klein replied: “Is she?”
Tom then explained that Carol already has “a lot of novels out,” adding that the books are “always set in lovely places” and are genuinely enjoyable reads.
The revelation surprised many fans too, as Carol has quietly released a growing collection of romance novels while balancing her demanding BBC career. Her sixth book is reportedly due to be published this October, with at least two more already planned.
Away from work, Carol is now embracing a very different chapter of life following her 2023 marriage to husband Steve Randall.
Speaking candidly about her decision to leave BBC Breakfast, she admitted that recent personal losses played a major role in her thinking.
“I’m not getting any younger, I’m newly married and we’ve had some losses in our lives recently,” she explained.
The presenter added that she now wants the freedom to travel whenever she likes, saying the idea of simply jumping in the car and driving anywhere with her husband for as long as they want feels “really appealing.”
Although retirement may sound peaceful, Carol has no intention of disappearing completely. Alongside her booming writing career, she has revealed plans to learn guitar and even bring “a couple of cats” into her home as she settles into married life away from the BBC spotlight.
