Carol Kirkwood is one of the most familiar faces on British television, known for presenting weather forecasts on the flagship show BBC Breakfast. Born in Scotland in 1962, she has carved out a long‑standing broadcasting career that spans more than two decades.
In todays articles, we explore Carol Kirkwood’s real age and birthday, height and appearance, education and early life, how she started her career, her BBC career journey, awards and big moments in her career, her marriage and husband Steve, her life today in 2025, whether Carol Kirkwood has children, her books and writing career, and fun facts about her life and career. Lets gets started!
What is Carol Kirkwood
Carol Kirkwood is a Scottish television presenter and author, best known as the weather presenter on the flagship broadcast programme BBC Breakfast. Born Carol MacKellaig on 29 May 1962 in Morar, Inverness‑shire, Scotland, she emerged from a Highland upbringing as one of eight children whose parents ran a hotel.
Educated at Lochaber High School and later earning a BA in Commerce from Napier College of Commerce and Technology in Edinburgh, her academic path was not directly in media or meteorology yet formed the foundation of her professional life.
Kirkwood began her career working behind the scenes at the BBC in administrative roles before pivoting into presenting; she transitioned through BBC radio, The Weather Channel UK and met‑office training before landing the weather‑presenter role in 1998.
Over subsequent decades she became a consistent on‑screen presence, covering major weather events, sports and high‑profile broadcasting duties while also branching into writing romantic novels. Her professional identity is built upon authenticity, broadcasting longevity and versatility beyond just forecasting weather.
In short, Carol Kirkwood is not just a weather presenter she is a media personality whose career reflects dedication, adaptability and ongoing relevance in British television.
Carol Kirkwood’s Real Age and Birthday
Carol Kirkwood was born on 29 May 1962 in Morar, Inverness‑shire, Scotland. That places her at 63 years old in 2025, with her 64th birthday approaching in May 2026. The date of birth is consistently cited across multiple sources, including Wikipedia.
Her age often prompts interest because of her active presence on television and how she continues to present with energy. Over the years she has commented on how remaining fit and focused helps her maintain her professional edge on screen.
Because age is a key part of her public persona particularly given her long tenure on BBC Breakfast this section addresses a common search query: “Carol Kirkwood’s real age and birthday”.
Carol Kirkwood Height and Appearance
Height and appearance are often discussed by fans of Carol Kirkwood; according to IMDb she is listed at 5′ 7″ (1.70 m). Her presentational style stands out: always immaculately dressed, poised, and confident in front of the camera.
Over the years commentators have noted her professionalism and how she adapts her appearance to the evolving standards of television broadcasting. Her blonde hair, engaging smile and polished wardrobe contribute to her recognisable on‑screen persona.
While appearance alone does not define her, it is often a topic of curiosity among viewers, especially given her sustained career in the public eye. The way she presents reflects her strategy to remain relevant and visually engaging in a high‑visibility role.
Carol Kirkwood Education and Early Life
Carol Kirkwood’s early life is rooted in Scotland’s Highlands. Born Carol MacKellaig into a large family she is one of eight children she grew up in Morar where her parents operated a hotel, instilling early lessons in hospitality and public engagement.
She attended Lochaber High School in Fort William and later went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Napier College of Commerce and Technology (now Edinburgh Napier University) in Edinburgh. This educational foundation in commerce, rather than journalism or meteorology, highlights her non‑traditional entry path into broadcasting.
Her initial professional steps did not involve on‑screen roles; she worked in recruitment and management consultancy before making the transition into television. Her Scottish upbringing, academic grounding, and early work experience combined to shape the poised, grounded personality that her audience sees today.
How Carol Kirkwood Started Her Career
Carol Kirkwood’s broadcasting journey began in administrative roles at the BBC, joining its secretarial reserve in London. From there she moved into short radio stints with BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Radio 4. In 1996 she joined the UK arm of The Weather Channel, and after its closure underwent meteorological training at the Met Office.
She re‑joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998 as a weather presenter. This evolution from administrative work to radio to meteorology training to television illustrates her persistence and adaptability.
These early career stages demonstrate how she navigated the broadcast industry, acquiring new skills and seizing opportunities that eventually positioned her as the lead weather presenter on BBC Breakfast. Her story is inspiring because it shows how non‑traditional paths can lead to high‑visibility roles.
Carol Kirkwood’s BBC Career Journey
Carol Kirkwood’s tenure at BBC Breakfast spans over two decades. She became the show’s weather presenter in the late 1990s and has remained a central figure ever since. Her career at the BBC has included presenting live from major events, covering Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show, and national weather stories.
In 2012 the programme relocated to MediaCityUK in Salford, but Kirkwood continued to present from London via video link. She has expanded her role beyond weather to feature on other BBC programmes as a guest, and participated in the 2015 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Her longevity in a high‑profile morning show environment is rare in broadcasting and speaks to her professionalism, audience connection, and adaptability to changes in media. Viewers and industry analysts alike refer to her as a broadcasting mainstay, and her career path reflects sustained relevance in a competitive field.
Awards and Big Moments in Her Career
Throughout her career Carol Kirkwood has received significant recognition. She won multiple TRIC (Television and Radio Industries Club) Awards for Best TV Weather Presenter, including in 2003, 2008, 2009 and from 2012 to 2017.
She also received an Honorary Fellowship from Inverness College in November 2015 for her contributions to broadcasting. Some standout career moments include her participation in Strictly Come Dancing, her cameo in the soap opera Hollyoaks, and her live reporting from high‑profile events such as Wimbledon.
These achievements are key for those searching “Awards and Big Moments in Her Career”. They serve as proof of her credibility and the respect she holds within the industry.
Carol Kirkwood’s Marriage and Husband Steve
In December 2023 Carol Kirkwood married her long‑term partner, police officer Steve Randall, in an intimate ceremony at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire. Her previous marriage, to cricketer Jimmy Kirkwood (1986‑2008), ended after more than two decades.
Her engagement to Steve Randall was announced live on BBC Breakfast in May 2022 during the Chelsea Flower Show. The couple’s age gap (Steve is younger) drew media attention but Carol addressed it by emphasising happiness over numbers.
Their marriage marked a fresh chapter in her personal life and has been covered frequently by UK media. For those searching “Carol Kirkwood’s marriage and husband Steve” this section provides detailed context about her personal life and journey to finding love again.
Carol Kirkwood’s Life Today in 2025 – Does She Have Children?
As of 2025, Carol Kirkwood remains active on air and in her personal pursuits. She has publicly stated that she attempted to have children during her earlier marriage but was unable to conceive; she now focuses on her extended family and niece/nephew relationships.
While she has no biological children of her own, she has spoken about her role as aunt and her close family network. She continues to balance her professional commitments, early morning start times, and personal life with a dedication to wellness and career longevity.
This section addresses two often‑searched queries: “Does Carol Kirkwood have children?” and “Does Carol Kirkwood have children? Today in 2025”, offering up‑to‑date insight for viewers interested in this aspect of her life.
Carol Kirkwood’s Books and Writing Career
Beyond presenting, Carol Kirkwood has developed a successful writing career. She has authored multiple romance novels.
Including Under a Greek Moon (2021)
The Hotel on the Riviera (2022)
Secrets of the Villa Amore (2023)
and Once Upon a Time in Venice (2024)
Her books draw on her travel experiences, personality, and passion for storytelling. This facet of her career adds depth to her public profile and enables her to reach audiences beyond television. When users search “Carol Kirkwood’s books and writing career”, they find a professional who has diversified her talents and established a credible presence in publishing as well as broadcasting.
Fun Facts About Carol Kirkwood
Carol Kirkwood grew up in a family of eight children in the Scottish Highlands; she once dreamed of presenting the children’s show Blue Peter before becoming a weather presenter.
She holds a commerce degree rather than a meteorology qualification and later trained at the Met Office. She has lived through the relocation of BBC Breakfast from London to Salford yet continues to present live from London. She is an accomplished novelist and shares personal reading tips publicly.
These anecdotes underpin her relatability and charm important traits that enhance her connection with the audience. These fun facts serve those searching “Fun Facts About Carol Kirkwood”.
Final Thought
Carol Kirkwood’s journey from the Scottish Highlands to the BBC studios reflects determination, adaptability and authenticity. Her age and height are often noted, but more importantly she has built a rich career, embraced new roles, and maintained relevance in an ever‑changing broadcast environment.
Whether you’re exploring her educational background, early life, professional achievements, personal life or writing career, Carol offers a complete profile worthy of attention.
For searchers seeking information on Carol Kirkwood’s real age and birthday, height and appearance, education and early life, or any of the other detailed topics covered above, this comprehensive article provides a trusted source. Her story is a testament to longevity and evolution in media one that continues well into 2025 and beyond.
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