BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood has opened up about the accident that left her in hospital during the pandemic as the weather presenter admitted she was left ‘nervous’

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has shared details of her traumatic experience after being knocked off her bike during the pandemic, which led to a three-week absence from BBC Breakfast.

The 63-year-old meteorologist opened up in a recent interview about the incident that occurred five years ago, revealing that it has since affected her confidence in cycling.

In a candid chat with Saga magazine, Carol recounted the harrowing event: “During the pandemic, I was on my bike and someone drove into me, knocking me off. I was taken to hospital with a severe injury to one of my knees and was off work for three weeks.”

She went on to describe how the accident has left her with a lingering fear of cycling on roads. Carol added: “The accident stopped me cycling and gave me a fear of riding on roads.

BBC's Carol Kirkwood
“I’ve been back out on my bike with Steve but when a car overtakes, I get nervous and feel I’m going to fall off. So I don’t tend to cycle any more, which is a shame because I loved it.”

At the time of the accident, Carol informed her followers via Twitter that she had been “injured” and was receiving care at a hospital in Slough, reports the Express.

Carol expressed her gratitude towards those who assisted her following the collision: “Biggest thanks ever to the police (Chris and Faye), the ambulance crew (Miranda and Stewart) who tended to me and took me to hospital,” she acknowledged.

Carol Kirkwood

After recovering, Carol returned to BBC Breakfast on a Tuesday morning, three weeks post-accident, and while she was still dealing with a significant knee injury.

She reassured viewers at the time, commenting: “I still have a nasty injury on my knee but I’m still here.” In the same interview, Carol also discussed her 13-year age difference with her husband Steve.

She revealed: “Steve is 50 this year. Other people’s opinions about an age gap don’t matter – I don’t feel he is younger than me.He is so romantic.Chelsea Flower Show 2022 - Press Day

“On the days I work, he gets up at 2.45am to make me a cup of tea and packs my breakfast.”

The Breakfast presenter has been keeping busy lately, having released her third novel, Meet Me at Sunset, earlier this year.

Carol Kirkwood’s full interview can be found in the August issue of Saga magazine.