Carol Kirkwood Bio: Age, Height, Husband Steve Randall & Net Worth 2026

Carol Kirkwood stands as one of Britain’s most beloved weather presenters, captivating millions with her warm Scottish charm and meteorological expertise on BBC Breakfast for over two decades. Born in the Scottish Highlands and trained by the Met Office, Kirkwood transformed from a behind-the-scenes BBC secretary into the nation’s favorite forecaster, earning accolades for her accurate reporting and infectious personality. As she announces her departure from the BBC in 2026 after 25 years of dedicated service, fans across the united kingdom are celebrating the remarkable career of this broadcasting icon who brought sunshine to breakfast tables every morning.

Quick bio

Early Life & Education

Carol Kirkwood was born Carol MacKellaig on May 29, 1962, in the picturesque village of Morar, located in Inverness-shire in the Scottish Highlands. Growing up as one of eight children in a bustling household, Carol’s parents worked as hoteliers, running a local establishment that exposed her early to the hospitality industry and the art of customer service.

Her childhood in the Highlands instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature and weather patterns—knowledge that would later prove invaluable in her meteorological career. The dramatic Scottish climate, with its rapid shifts from sunshine to storms, sparked her fascination with atmospheric conditions.

Carol attended local schools in Scotland before pursuing higher education at Napier College of Commerce and Technology in Edinburgh, now known as Edinburgh Napier University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce, a qualification that initially steered her toward business and administrative roles rather than broadcasting.

During her university years, Carol developed strong organizational skills and business acumen, though she harbored secret ambitions toward media and performance. Her love for vintage Hollywood films starring Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn—favorites of her mother’s—nurtured her sense of glamour and presentation style that would later define her on-screen persona.

Career Journey

Early Beginnings at the BBC (1980s–1993)

Carol’s relationship with the BBC began long before viewers knew her name. In 1983, she joined the corporation as a production assistant when BBC Breakfast first launched, working behind the cameras rather than in front of them. This foundational experience provided her with invaluable insights into television production, scheduling, and the demands of live broadcasting.

After leaving the BBC to work in recruitment consultancy and later as a training officer for personnel management, Carol returned to the corporation in 1993 as a freelance reporter. Her versatility and dedication quickly made her an indispensable team member across various departments.

Meteorological Training and Weather Career (1993–1998)

Recognizing her potential for on-screen work, the BBC sponsored Carol through rigorous meteorological training with the Met Office—the UK’s national weather service. This comprehensive education covered atmospheric physics, forecasting techniques, and climate science, earning her professional qualifications as a broadcast meteorologist.

In April 1998, Carol officially joined the BBC Weather Centre, transitioning from general reporting to specialized weather presenting. Her ability to translate complex meteorological data into accessible, friendly forecasts immediately resonated with viewers.

Rise to National Prominence (1998–2010)

Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Carol became a familiar face across BBC News programming and radio stations. She presented weather segments for BBC News 24, BBC Radio 4’s Today program, and various regional broadcasts. Her distinctive Scottish accent and warm demeanor made her particularly popular with early morning audiences who appreciated her cheerful disposition during dawn broadcasts.

During this period, she also gained experience covering major weather events, from severe winter storms to heatwaves, establishing her reputation for remaining calm and authoritative during crisis coverage.

BBC Breakfast and Main Presenter Era (2010–2026)

In 2010, Carol secured her dream position as the main weather presenter for BBC Breakfast, the corporation’s flagship morning news program. For the next 16 years, she became an integral part of millions of Britons’ morning routines, delivering forecasts from the famous red sofa studio as well as remote locations including the Wimbledon Championships, Chelsea Flower Show, and various royal events.

Her tenure at BBC Breakfast coincided with the show’s move to Salford’s MediaCityUK in 2012, where she embraced the new facilities while maintaining the personal connection that viewers cherished. Beyond standard forecasts, Carol became known for her lighthearted interactions with co-presenters Charlie Stayt, Naga Munchetty, Sally Nugent, and Jon Kay, often participating in show banter while maintaining professional meteorological standards.

Strictly Come Dancing (2015)

In 2015, Carol showcased her versatility by competing in the thirteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev. Despite no prior dance experience, she progressed to week eight of the competition, finishing in tenth place. Her participation revealed her determination and willingness to step outside her comfort zone, endearing her further to the British public.

Literary Career (2015–Present)

Parallel to her broadcasting career, Carol established herself as a bestselling author. She has published five novels:

1. Storm in a Teacup
2. Under a Greek Moon
3. The Hotel on the Riviera
4. Secrets of the Villa
5. Meet Me at Sunset (2025)

Her fiction typically features romantic narratives set against atmospheric locations, drawing from her travel experiences and love for dramatic settings.

Departure from the BBC (2026)

On January 27, 2026, Carol announced her departure from the BBC after more than 25 years of service, with her final broadcast scheduled for April 2026. Citing a desire to spend more time with her husband Steve Randall, she emotionally told viewers: “I love my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC – but I love my husband more than my job.”

Her departure marks the end of an era for BBC Breakfast, with the corporation praising her “exceptional contribution” and “gold standard” for weather journalism.

Personal Life

Marriage to Steve Randall

Carol found love later in life with Steve Randall, a police officer 13–14 years her junior. The couple met at a social function neither particularly wanted to attend—a “sliding doors moment” that Carol describes as fate. After starting as friends, their relationship blossomed romantically, with Steve proposing during a picnic by the River Thames near their Berkshire home in spring 2022.

The couple married in an intimate ceremony at Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire, on December 20, 2023, keeping the event private with no guests present during the ceremony itself. Despite Storm Gerrit raging outside, Carol described the day as “perfect and romantic,” noting that they wrote their own vows for the emotional occasion.

Carol frequently praises Steve’s romantic nature, highlighting his habit of leaving love notes and making her morning tea despite her 2:45 AM work schedule. However, she has candidly admitted that their demanding careers—Steve’s shift work and her early mornings—meant they often saw each other for only 90 minutes daily during weekdays, describing themselves as “ships that pass in the night.”

Previous Marriage and Divorce

Carol was previously married to property developer and former cricket player Jimmy Kirkwood for 18 years, from 1990 until their separation in 2008 and subsequent divorce. She has spoken openly about the devastation of the marriage ending, revealing that she would often cry in the bathroom between broadcasts while maintaining her “smiling Carol” persona on air. Despite the pain, she credits the experience with making her braver and helping her “find herself.”

Family and Children

One of eight children born to hotelier parents, Carol comes from a large Scottish family. She has expressed heartbreak over not having children of her own, having tried fertility treatments that proved unsuccessful and prohibitively expensive. However, she dotes on her 15 nieces and nephews and numerous godchildren, describing herself as a devoted aunt.

Relocation and Lifestyle

Carol resides in Berkshire, England, having previously offered to sell her home to buy a property jointly with Steve, though he was happy to move into her existing house. She maintains close ties to her Scottish roots while embracing life in southern England.

Awards & Achievements

• TRIC Awards (Television and Radio Industries Club): Multiple wins for Best TV Weather Presenter (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021)
• Scottish BAFTA Nomination: Recognition for broadcasting excellence
• Strictly Come Dancing: Tenth place (Week 8), Series 13 (2015)
• Bestselling Author: Five published novels with commercial success in romantic fiction genre
• BBC Long Service Recognition: 25+ years of continuous service to British broadcasting (1993–2026)
• Royal Television Society: Acknowledgment for contribution to weather broadcasting standards

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I love my job, I’ve loved working at the BBC – but I love my husband more than my job. 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 spending more time together.”
— On announcing her BBC departure, January 2026

“It really is a fascinating subject—in Britain, it changes all the time, and as a nation, we are obsessed with it.”
— On her passion for meteorology, The Times interview

“Love is lovelier the second time around. No disrespect to my first husband, but this is better.”
— On finding happiness with Steve Randall after divorce

Controversies

Carol Kirkwood has maintained a remarkably scandal-free career throughout her three decades in broadcasting, earning respect for her professionalism and warm personality. However, she has navigated several sensitive situations with grace:

Divorce and Public Persona: During her 2008 divorce from first husband Jimmy Kirkwood, Carol faced the challenge of maintaining her cheerful on-screen demeanor while experiencing profound personal grief. She later revealed that she would frequently cry in the Blue Peter gardens bathroom between broadcasts, then reapply makeup to present the weather with a smile. Her honesty about this “compartmentalization” sparked discussions about the emotional labor required of television personalities.

Strictly Come Dancing Elimination: Her 2015 exit from Strictly generated minor controversy among fans who felt she deserved to progress further, though the judging decision was generally accepted as fair given her technical limitations compared to other contestants.

Age Gap Commentary: Her marriage to younger husband Steve Randall (13–14 years her junior) initially generated tabloid interest and public commentary about their age difference. Carol has consistently dismissed concerns, stating that she “doesn’t feel” the age gap and that they both feel they are “punching above their weight” with each other.

Salary Transparency: As a BBC employee earning under £150,000—below the threshold for public salary disclosure—Carol has occasionally faced questions about gender pay equity at the corporation. However, she has never publicly criticized her employers regarding compensation, maintaining that she finds her work fulfilling regardless of the wage gap between her and higher-paid news presenters.

Salary & Net Worth

BBC Salary

Despite being one of the BBC’s most recognizable faces, Carol Kirkwood’s salary remains modest compared to top-tier news presenters. Consistently absent from the BBC’s annual high-earners list (which discloses salaries above £150,000), industry estimates place her annual BBC income between £120,000 and £150,000 per year.

This figure reflects her status as a weather specialist rather than a general news anchor, though her popularity arguably exceeds that of many higher-paid colleagues. The BBC has historically paid weather presenters less than news anchors, a disparity Carol has accepted without public complaint.

Additional Income Streams

Beyond her BBC salary, Carol generates substantial revenue through:

• Book Royalties: Five published novels generating ongoing sales
• Speaking Engagements: Corporate events and literary festivals
• Media Appearances: Guest slots on various BBC programs
• Endorsements: Limited commercial work aligned with her wholesome public image

Net Worth Estimation

As of 2026, Carol Kirkwood’s estimated net worth ranges between £3 million and £5 million ($3.8–$6.3 million USD). This wealth accumulation reflects her 30+ year career, property investments, and successful literary sideline rather than her BBC salary alone.

Her financial prudence—maintaining her Berkshire home through two marriages and market fluctuations—has provided her with stability that allows her to retire comfortably at 63 to travel Europe with her husband.

Interesting Facts

• Meteorological Beginnings: Before becoming a weather presenter, Carol worked as a training officer in recruitment consultancy, despite her degree in commerce pointing toward business careers.
• Age Gap Love: She met husband Steve at a function neither wanted to attend—if she had stayed home that evening, they would never have met.
• Storm Wedding: Her December 2023 wedding coincided with Storm Gerrit battering the UK, though the couple was so focused on each other they “didn’t even notice” the weather outside.
• Wimbledon Regular: She has presented the weather from the Wimbledon Championships for over a decade, becoming almost as much a fixture of the tournament as the tennis itself.
• Red Arrows Experience: Following her divorce, Carol embraced adventure, flying with the Red Arrows aerobatic team and parachuting with the Red Devils—activities she would never have attempted in her younger, more cautious years.
• Early Riser Routine: For her BBC Breakfast role, Carol woke daily at 2:45 AM, often receiving only 4–5 hours of sleep on work nights.
• Secretarial Start: Her first role at the BBC in 1983 was as a production secretary/assistant, working behind the camera 17 years before becoming the main weather presenter.
• Fertility Journey: Carol underwent unsuccessful fertility treatments in her forties, describing the inability to have children as a “source of heartbreak” but finding fulfillment through her nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
• Romance Novel Success: Her fifth novel, Meet Me at Sunset, was researched during a trip to Majorca with Steve, a location they fell in love with and plan to revisit during retirement.
• Height Surprise: Despite appearing taller on television, Carol stands 5’7″—though she jokes she reaches 5’11” in her trademark heels.

Social Media Links

Note: Carol maintains relatively private social media accounts, primarily using them to share weather updates, book promotions, and occasional personal insights rather than daily lifestyle content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How old is Carol Kirkwood in 2026?
A: Carol Kirkwood is 63 years old, having been born on May 29, 1962.

Q: Why is Carol Kirkwood leaving the BBC in 2026?
A: Carol announced her departure in January 2026 to spend more time with her husband Steve Randall. Citing their conflicting schedules that allowed them only 90 minutes together on weekdays, she chose love over her career, stating, “I love my husband more than my job.”

Q: Who is Carol Kirkwood’s husband?
A: Carol is married to Steve Randall, a 50-year-old police officer. They wed in December 2023 at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire after meeting as friends and dating for approximately two years. He is 13–14 years younger than Carol.

Q: Does Carol Kirkwood have children?
A: No, Carol does not have children. She has spoken openly about her heartbreak over fertility struggles and unsuccessful treatments, though she is a devoted aunt to 15 nieces and nephews.

Q: What is Carol Kirkwood’s net worth?
A: As of 2026, Carol Kirkwood’s estimated net worth is between £3 million and £5 million, accumulated through her BBC salary, book royalties, and investments over her 30+ year career.

Q: How tall is Carol Kirkwood?
A: Carol Kirkwood stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), though she often appears taller on television due to her elegant posture and heeled shoes.

Q: What did Carol Kirkwood do before weather presenting?
A: Before becoming a weather presenter, Carol worked as a BBC production assistant (1983), followed by roles in recruitment consultancy and personnel training. She joined the BBC as a freelance reporter in 1993 before training with the Met Office.

Q: Is Carol Kirkwood really leaving BBC Breakfast?
A: Yes, Carol confirmed her departure on January 27, 2026, with her final broadcast scheduled for April 2026 after 25 years with the corporation.

Q: How many books has Carol Kirkwood written?
A: Carol has published five romantic novels: Storm in a Teacup, Under a Greek Moon, The Hotel on the Riviera, Secrets of the Villa, and Meet Me at Sunset.

Q: Where does Carol Kirkwood live?
A: Carol resides in Berkshire, England, having relocated from London earlier in her career. She maintains strong connections to her Scottish Highlands origins.

Conclusion

Carol Kirkwood’s departure from the BBC in 2026 marks the end of an indelible chapter in British broadcasting history. From her humble beginnings as a production assistant to becoming the nation’s favorite weather presenter, she has navigated personal heartbreak, professional challenges, and the demands of dawn television with unwavering grace and authenticity. Her decision to prioritize love and quality time with husband Steve Randall over career ambitions resonates as a testament to her values—proving that even public figures must ultimately choose personal fulfillment.

As she trades weather maps for European travel and romance writing, Carol leaves behind a legacy of meteorological excellence, literary achievement, and genuine connection with millions of viewers. Her story serves as inspiration for late bloomers everywhere: that career peaks, true love, and personal reinvention remain possible at any age.

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