Top 5 stars in line to replace BBC Breakfast presenter Carol Kirkwood
Carol Kirkwood has stepped down from BBC Breakfast after being a weather presenter for decades.
BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood got emotional while sitting on the famous red sofa earlier this week to announce she was quitting the programme after more than 25 years as a weather presenter. The 63-year-old fought back tears as she admitted the announcement was "really hard for me to say this". Carol, who wants to spend more time travelling with her husband, told hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay: "I didn't want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly.
"I want to spend more time with my gorgeous husband, Steve. We're ships that pass in the night, so I'm really looking forward to doing that. We want to travel as well." She noted: "I've loved my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job." Following her final day on screen, five possible replacements for Carol have been revealed toExpress.co.uk.
The meteorologist and Royal Air Force (RAF) officer's odds are placed at 14/1. Simon, who made headlines for helping deliver his baby daughter, has been part of BBC Weather since 2008. He presents across the entire BBC News output and continues to undertake RAF assignments.
Sarah, who hails from Hastings, began presenting BBC Weather in 2008 and also hosts weather documentaries on BBC World News and BBC News. In addition, she's shared weather updates on the BBC show, Countryfile. The meteorologist's Instagram bio reads: "BBC Weather presenter. Lover of the great outdoors, dog walks, camping, skiing and boats. Family, friends and good food make me smile."
The 51-year-old regularly appears on various BBC News programmes to deliver the weather forecast. The Cheshire-born meteorologist joined BBC Weather in 1997 and was awarded the TRIC award for best TV weather presenter in March 2006. She's also played badminton internationally for Wales!
Betway have placed Tomasz Schafernaker at 4/1 to replace Carol. The 47-year-old is a Polish-British meteorologist who works for BBC Weather. Tomasz, who studied at the University of Reading, joined the BBC Weather Centre 26 years ago, where he worked as a broadcast assistant. That same year, he became a presenter, making him the youngest man to host BBC Weather.
The bookies' favourite to replace Carol currently stands with Matt Taylor at odds of 5/4. The 49-year-old meteorologist grew up in Glasgow before moving to Leeds. He joined the BBC's Weather Centre in 2004. Before his time at the BBC, Matt worked in local government, then joined the Met Office. He worked as an observer at RAFC Cranwell in Lincolnshire and studied to become a fully-fledged forecaster.
Discussing the odds, a Betway spokesperson said: "Matt Taylor has emerged as the favourite at 5/4 to replace Carol Kirkwood, which reflects his long-standing background within the BBC and familiarity with viewers. Tomasz Schafernaker, priced at 4/1, brings strong recognition and a well-established presenting career, while Helen Willetts at 11/2 and Sarah Keith-Lucas at 8/1 are both seen as experienced broadcasters with solid meteorological credentials."