BBC Breakfast star to leave show after 25 years

She said that she loves her husband more than the job

The weather presenter was emotional and hugged her co-presenters, saying it was “really hard for me to say this because I love my job”.

Kirkwood, 63, joined the BBC in 1998 and will leave in April. She said that bringing viewers the weather every day has been an “absolute privilege”.

She broke the news of her departure after her regular morning forecast, adding that she was looking forward to spending more time with her husband and travelling.

“I didn't want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly”, she told presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.

“I want to spend more time with my gorgeous husband Steve. We only got married a couple of years ago and we're ships that pass in the night, so I'm really looking forward to doing that. We want to travel as well”, she added.

She said that she has loved her job and working at the BBC, but added that “I love my husband more than my job.”

Kirkwood joined the BBC Weather Centre in April 1998, and previously worked at The Weather Channel and the Met Office.

She received several industry honours, and was repeatedly named best TV weather presenter at the TV and Radio Industries Club Awards.

“To those watching and listening at home - thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy”, she said as she addressed the viewers at home.