Veteran BBC Breakfast presenter Carol Kirkwood, a familiar face to millions of morning viewers for nearly three decades, has spoken out against years of online abuse — and made it clear she’s not letting the negativity affect her. With her trademark smile and resilient spirit, the 63-year-old broadcaster continues to deliver the nation’s weather updates, all while handling persistent trolls with grace and humor.

Carol first joined the BBC Breakfast team in 1997, quickly becoming a staple of British morning television. Over the years, she has developed a strong fan base and a reputation for professionalism, warmth, and an engaging on-screen presence. But behind the scenes, Carol has dealt with an unpleasant reality — relentless online trolling that has followed her throughout her career.

In a candid and empowering interview with Radio Times, Carol addressed the topic directly, offering insight into how she’s managed to rise above the vitriol. “I am what I am,” she said confidently, “and I don’t really care what anybody thinks of me.” For Carol, the harsh comments and unsolicited opinions no longer have power over her. She compared the abuse to “water off a duck’s back”, implying that it simply rolls off without impact — though she quipped with a meteorological twist, “Or maybe that should be heavy rain off a duck’s back?”

Carol’s refreshing honesty and self-assuredness reveal a woman who knows her worth. “Whether I’m a ‘weather girl,’ a ‘weather presenter,’ or a ‘broadcast meteorologist’ doesn’t really bother me,” she added. “Titles don’t really matter. I’m just doing my job to the best of my ability and hopefully improving myself on a daily basis, whether people think I’m capable or not.”

Her words reflect a profound sense of resilience developed over a lengthy and decorated career in broadcasting. Carol began her journey in television in 1992, entering the field at the age of 30 after working on the now-defunct Windsor TV. From there, she transitioned into radio, contributing short segments to BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Radio 4. In 1993, she landed her first on-screen role with the BBC as a freelance presenter. By 1998, she had become part of the core team at BBC News, going on to feature prominently across BBC Weather’s television and radio programming, including flagship broadcasts such as BBC News at Six and BBC World News.

Despite her distinguished resume and widespread public affection, Carol hasn’t been spared from the darker side of public life. Social media trolls have aimed “dreadful” comments at her, often targeting her appearance, voice, or professional role. Back in 2014, Carol hinted at the toll this abuse could take, telling The Herald that many of the messages were “very personal” and sometimes difficult to shake off.

Yet, in 2025, Carol presents a picture of a woman who has reclaimed her power. The trolls, she says, no longer have an emotional grip on her. Her defiance is a testament to her personal growth, as well as a call to others experiencing similar attacks online.

In addition to her broadcasting duties, Carol has also authored several books — a reminder that she’s more than just the voice behind the forecast. She’s a creative, multi-talented professional who refuses to be confined to any one label.

Carol’s fans have also been concerned recently about her health, especially after noticing that she had been presenting the weather with a noticeably hoarse voice and persistent cough. Addressing the issue on air in August 2024, Carol acknowledged the situation with typical good humor. Handing back to hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, she chuckled as Sally remarked on her voice lasting just until the end of the segment. Carol replied, “I know. It’s this pesky 100-day cough. It just keeps giving. It won’t go.”

Even while battling a lingering illness, Carol maintained her professionalism, showing up for viewers every morning with dedication and positivity. Her willingness to push through adversity has only endeared her further to fans, many of whom took to social media to express support and appreciation.

And it’s not all serious business — Carol’s personal life recently became the subject of joyful headlines when she revealed she had quietly married her long-time partner Steve Randall during Christmas 2023. The ceremony, held at the luxurious Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, was a private, romantic affair. Speaking of the moment, Carol said, “It was the most perfect and romantic and intimate wedding. We are both so incredibly happy.”

She added, “Thank you so much for all your lovely messages. We had the most perfect day. It was a tiny wedding but so romantic and intimate — a day we will never forget. We are bursting with happiness. It wasn’t a ‘secret’ wedding, just a private one.”

Through her words and actions, Carol Kirkwood continues to demonstrate that strength, joy, and self-worth are not determined by others’ opinions. After more than 30 years in broadcasting, she’s earned every bit of her success — and isn’t letting anyone take it from her.

“I’m still here,” she says, “still smiling — and I’m not going anywhere.”