Carol Kirkwood has been a staple on our screens for years, but away from the cameras, the weather presenter has faced her fair share of heartache.

There is a lot of privacy around Carol’s life off-screen (Image: BBC)

BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood is renowned for maintaining privacy around her personal affairs, though the presenter has occasionally offered candid glimpses into her private world. Carol’s personal journey has witnessed considerable highs and lows, especially during recent times. The beloved presenter endured “devastating” heartbreak which she has maintained discretion about.

However, viewers will be thrilled to discover that Carol has regained her stability, beginning a fresh romantic chapter. She was unable to hide her delight whilst informing colleagues how she “couldn’t be happier” regarding her present romantic relationship.

Away from her recognisable TV role as the weather specialist, Carol enjoys life outside the spotlight of BBC cameras. It emerges she possesses an entirely different career, demonstrating her varied talents that stretch well past meteorology. An exploration of Carol’s behind-the-scenes activities uncovers everything from emotional upheaval and her private wedding festivities to a surprising secondary profession that sharply differs from her broadcasting work, reports Manchester Evening News.

Carol enjoys life outside the spotlight of BBC cameras (Image: BBC)

Divorce

The BBC Breakfast weather forecaster was previously wed to Jimmy Kirkwood, a renowned cricketer from Northern Ireland. In 1990 witnessed the then 28-year-old Carol not only beginning her BBC journey but also marrying the athlete.

The long-standing union came to an end in 2008, an event that shattered Carol’s world. She remained largely tight-lipped about the separation over the years until a reflective moment at the age of 61, when she appeared alongside Kaye Adams on the How To Be 60 podcast to discuss the emotional journey.

During her frank appearance on the programme, Carol spoke openly for the first time about her personal anguish, describing her marriage breakdown as her “hardest year”.

n a discussion with the presenter about her most difficult periods, Carol disclosed: “Probably the year I got divorced. I didn’t expect that to happen, and it was shocking. It was pretty devastating at the time, but it led to better things after that.”

She continued: “I think that was probably the hardest year, that or when my dad died.”

Feeling adrift

Following her separation from Jimmy, Carol admitted how challenging it was to rediscover her identity, particularly since the precise reasons behind their breakdown remain private.

They had been together for such a lengthy period, becoming firmly established in their household responsibilities. Jimmy had his duties, whilst Carol had her own.

After the conclusion of her marriage, she discovered it difficult to adjust to managing the responsibilities that had previously fallen under Jimmy’s remit.

On Kaye’s podcast, Carol revealed her difficulties: “It was a transition between being married and being divorced and suddenly being on your own.”

Discussing having to take over activities such as banking and paperwork that her husband previously managed, she mentioned: “All of that was new to me at the ripe old age in my 40s. You were a wee bit lost, but you get on with it.”

Carol found love again with Steve (Image: carolkirkwood/Twitter)

Finding love

In a delightful twist of fate for the BBC Breakfast presenter, Carol ultimately discovered joy once more when she encountered Steve Randall, who is now her spouse. She had met Steve at an event she attended with TV personality Steph McGovern – and the remainder is history.

The pair became engaged in 2022 and tied the knot near the end of 2023 in an intimate celebration. Known for cherishing her privacy, Carol succeeded in maintaining the wedding arrangements under wraps, prompting speculation that she had wed in secrecy.

Subsequently, the weather forecaster tackled the rumours on BBC Breakfast, explaining that “it wasn’t a secret” but instead, she selected an intimate ceremony in Buckinghamshire.

Upon returning to the studio, the radiant newlywed told her colleague Jon Kay: “Jon, I cannot tell you how fabulous it’s been! You shouldn’t really be talking like this about your own wedding, but it was blissful! It was romantic, it was absolutely perfect.”

Continuing to express her delight, she added: “I would not change a thing about the day. It was very small as well and intimate, so you didn’t have to worry that Auntie Nelly didn’t have a glass of sherry in her hand! It was brilliant.”