BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood is hoping to retire in the next couple of years and is planning to travel across Europe in a camper van with her husband Steve Randall

Carol Kirkwood is set to retire from weather forecasting boots in two years’ time to embark on European adventures with her husband.

The 63-year-old BBC weather presenter is already mapping out her exit strategy for when she reaches 65, with dreams of touring Europe in a campervan alongside her partner Steve Randall, 49.

Speaking to Saga magazine, Carol said: “Steve and I plan to escape and travel for some time when we retire, perhaps in a year or two. We’ll travel in a camper van or get in the car, cross over to France and then just drive.”

The broadcasting favourite dismissed any concerns about the 13-year age difference between herself and police officer Steve, declaring: “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.”

Carol Kirkwood and husband Steve almost didn’t meet(Image: Twitter)

She added: “On the days I work, he gets up at 2.45am to make me a cup of tea and packs my breakfast. Those thoughtful things mean the world to me, far more than being taken to an expensive restaurant.”

Steve is Carol’s second husband after her previous marriage to property developer Jimmy Kirwood collapsed and ended in divorce in 2008.

The TV star admitted she wasn’t looking for love following the end of her 25-year marriage and finding Steve and falling in love again came as “a shock”.

They wed two years ago and Carol admits she’s enjoying marriage even more the second time around.

She told the publication: “Love is lovelier the second time around. No disrespect to my first husband, but this is better.”

Carol also admitted her wedding day wasn’t perfect as there was a storm raging outside the venue, but they still had a wonderful time as they put together their perfect ceremony despite the bad weather.

She said: “The wedding was the most perfect day. Storm Gerrit was raging outside and we didn’t even notice.

“It was about us getting married rather than having a big, fancy wedding. We had no guests and wrote our own vows. When you are older, you know more what you want.”