Carol Kirkwood Gets Real About Love, Marriage, and Life’s Missed Chances
Carol Kirkwood, the familiar face from BBC weather updates, has never shied away from speaking her mind. But lately, she's put aside the charts and forecasts for a truly personal subject—the quiet heartbreak and joy that shape her world when she’s not in front of the camera. After tying the knot with Steve Randall in December 2023, the 63-year-old presenter has peeled back the curtain on her marriage and the challenges that come from building a life with someone, especially when busy routines and past choices come into play.
You might think a fresh marriage equals endless time together, but Carol says just the opposite. Her whirlwind career, paired with Steve’s own work and commitments, means they squeeze just about 90 minutes together each day. That’s it. It isn’t for lack of love—both are keen to make every minute count. The reality is, when your job is as demanding as Carol’s, and your partner is equally busy, carving out time for each other becomes another thing on the to-do list. Ever tried to balance love and work in your own life? Carol’s story probably feels a little too familiar.
She admits, though, that these snatched moments are treasured. For them, it isn’t about grand gestures—it’s the little things, like sharing a cup of tea, laughing at a show, or simply exchanging thoughts about their day, that keep them close. This new chapter in Carol’s life comes after her first marriage ended back in 2008, which gave her plenty of insight into what she values most in a partner. Steve, for his part, appreciates her humor and resilience. They both know it’s not about time, but about connection.
The Hidden Pain of Childlessness
If juggling work and love wasn’t enough, Carol also recently spoke up about something even more personal: her regret over not having children. For her, it wasn’t a straight path. She’s said the sense of loss can hit at random times—at work, out with friends, or simply while watching families together in a park. The decision wasn’t always in her control, and she acknowledges how hard it can be for women who, for lots of reasons, end up childless. Isolation, grief, and unanswered questions are common threads weaving through the stories of women like Carol.
But instead of hiding these feelings, she’s been candid about them. She says talking openly brings relief—and maybe helps someone else who’s quietly wrestling with the same pain. Kirkwood wants society to recognize that ‘child-free’ isn’t always a choice, and the stigma can be tough to handle. For her, work has been an anchor through that ‘heartbreak.’ Reporting the weather, being part of people’s morning routines, and, lately, finding love again, all helped fill some part of that gap inside.
You get the sense that, behind the sunshine icon on TV, Carol Kirkwood is as human as they come—warming up her own world with every ounce of joy she can find, and never shying from the chillier moments in life. It’s the mix of grit and honesty that keeps viewers—and those who know her—coming back for more.
