Carol Kirkwood has revealed the devastating loss that led to her shock decision to leave BBC Breakfast after 28 years. In an emotional interview, the 63-year-old star opened up about how the death of her sister-in-law, Jan, made her reassess her life and priorities.
“Losing Jan made us realise that nothing is guaranteed,” Carol shared, reflecting on the short illness that claimed her sister-in-law’s life last year. It was this heartbreaking event that pushed Carol to embrace a new chapter, focusing on her husband Steve Randall, whom she married in 2023.
“I love my job, but in the end, I love my husband more. We’ve got the world ahead of us, and while we’re both healthy, we want to explore it,” she said, revealing her decision to step away from the show she’s called home for nearly three decades.
A New Chapter
While Carol will miss her colleagues, the grueling hours and early mornings have taken their toll. “I won’t miss the 2.45am starts and 7pm bedtimes,” she admitted, describing them as leaving her with a “permanent mild form of jet lag”.
Now that she’s free from the strict schedule, her family is eager to spend more quality time together, with Steve supporting her decision without trying to influence it one way or another.
Could Carol Be Back On TV?
Though Carol’s days on BBC Breakfast are behind her, fans will be thrilled to hear she isn’t ruling out a return to screens. “I’d love to be on Race Across The World,” she confessed, revealing her plans to take charge of the budget while Steve would handle logistics. “It would be such fun!”
However, I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Big Brother fans may be disappointed, as Carol admitted “I’m not a cook” and doesn’t plan to appear on the Celebrity Bake Off anytime soon.
