On August 15, 2025, BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, 63, opened up about the relentless online abuse she has endured throughout her 26-year career, revealing the deepest pain comes from attacks targeting her family. In an emotional interview with The Telegraph, Kirkwood said, “My family doesn’t deserve to be dragged in—it hurts.” While she shrugs off personal insults “like water off a duck’s back,” the vitriol aimed at her loved ones, including husband Steve Randall and stepchildren, leaves hidden scars. Her candidness has sparked widespread support on X, highlighting her resilience amid a storm of hate.

Kirkwood, a beloved figure known for her warmth on BBC Breakfast, recounted how trolling began in her early radio days in the 1990s, escalating with social media’s rise. “It started with my looks, then my voice, now my family,” she said, citing cruel comments about her appearance and, more painfully, her husband’s age gap and her stepchildren. A recent X post mocking her pregnancy announcement—revealed just days earlier as a successful IVF journey with Randall—pushed her to speak out. “I can handle the personal jabs, but targeting my family is a low blow,” she told Express.

Her journey from BBC Radio to becoming the face of BBC Weather in 1998 has been marked by resilience. Despite enduring sexist remarks, like being called a “weather girl” at 63, and body-shaming, Kirkwood remains steadfast. “I’m a fighter, not a victim,” she declared, per Mirror Online. Fans on X rallied, with posts like, “Carol’s strength is unreal!” and “Trolls need to leave her family alone.” Her 2022 memoir, Under Pressure, hinted at the toll, but her latest revelations expose the depth of the emotional wounds.

The abuse intensified after her 2023 marriage to Randall, 48, with trolls attacking their 15-year age difference. Kirkwood, who faced similar vitriol during her first marriage to Jimmy Kirkwood, emphasized her family’s innocence. “They didn’t choose this spotlight,” she said. The BBC has pledged to work with authorities to address severe cases, per The Sun, while Kirkwood advocates for mental health support, inspired by her own coping strategies, like yoga.

As Kirkwood stands strong, her defiance against trolls, especially those targeting her family, cements her as a beacon of resilience. Her story, resonating with millions, proves that behind her smile lies a fierce spirit unbroken by hate.