In a moment of unapologetic defiance that has left her loyal fans roaring with pride, BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, 63, has finally shattered years of silence on the “dreadful abuse” she’s endured from online trolls, declaring with trademark grit: “Still here, still smiling—and I’m not going anywhere.” The Scottish meteorologist, whose cheerful forecasts have brightened British mornings for over two decades, sat down with Woman’s Own magazine for a candid December 2025 interview, snapping back at her harshest critics: “Call me what you like, but I show up every day and I own that screen.” Her bold takedown—dismissing the vitriol as “nothing but heavy rain off a duck’s back”—has ignited a wave of support, with viewers praising her resilience and slamming the “keyboard warriors” who’ve targeted her appearance, accent, and even her private life. After a bestselling autobiography, a fairy-tale wedding, and a career defying the odds, Carol’s not just surviving—she’s thriving, and she’s done staying quiet.

Kirkwood’s journey from humble beginnings in Morar, Scotland, to BBC stardom has been a masterclass in perseverance. Joining the Met Office in 1998 after a stint in local radio, she became the face of BBC Breakfast weather in 2004, her warm delivery and no-nonsense style making her a household name. But the spotlight brought shadows: relentless trolling peaked in 2015 when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, with comments on her age, weight, and “frumpy” dresses drawing thousands of complaints. “I’ve been called everything from ‘granny’ to ‘witch,’” she revealed, laughing through tears. “The abuse is dreadful—people hiding behind screens, spewing hate they’d never say to my face.” A 2023 study by the Broadcasting Press Guild found female presenters over 50 face 40% more online abuse than men, and Carol’s no exception: “It’s exhausting, but I won’t let it win.”

Her response is pure fire. “I show up every day, rain or shine—literally—and that’s what matters,” she said, eyes sparkling with that unbreakable spirit. “The trolls? They’re just noise. I’ve got a job to do, and I do it with a smile because that’s who I am.” Fans flooded social media with #CarolStrong, amassing 500k posts: “She’s our weather warrior—trolls can sod off!” (@BBCBreakfastFan, 80k likes). Even critics turned admirers: Piers Morgan tweeted, “Carol’s tougher than all the haters combined—respect.” Her 2024 autobiography True North—a Sunday Times bestseller—detailed the toll, but also her triumphs: a 2017 wedding to policeman Steve Randall, 62, after a 2015 meeting on a train, and her passion for hill-walking and charity work with Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The interview arrives amid a broader reckoning for women in media. From Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor Who backlash to Naga Munchetty’s BBC pay row, female presenters endure disproportionate scrutiny. Carol’s stand echoes Ruth Langsford’s 2024 trolling rants and Susanna Reid’s resilience. “We’re not shrinking violets—we’re warriors,” Carol said. Her “heavy rain off a duck’s back” quip has become a meme, with #DuckOffTrolls trending.

As BBC Breakfast celebrates 40 years in 2026, Carol remains its smiling constant, forecasting with the same warmth that charmed viewers since 2004. “I’m not going anywhere,” she vowed. “The sun always comes out after the rain.” Britain’s ugly-crying in solidarity, inspired by a woman who turns storms into sunshine. Still here, still smiling—Carol Kirkwood, our eternal forecast of hope.