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I was as stunned as any other BBC Breakfast viewer on Tuesday, January 27, when Carol Kirkwood shared she would be leaving the show after nearly two decades fronting the daily weather forecast.

Carol's speech appeared sincere and emotional as she hugged her co-presenters, saying it was "really hard for me to say this because I love my job". It makes her departure even more puzzling, as over the years Carol has spoken glowingly about her employer. In interview after interview, she has praised BBC Breakfast, talked about loving the routine and described the programme as a joy to be part of.

There was no slow build-up to a goodbye, no hints that she was ready to walk away, but one detail struck me the most, and that was how she chose to announce her departure on this week when Jon Kay and Sally Nugent were hosting the programme, as over the years, viewers have noticed increasingly awkward on-air exchanges that Carol has shared with two of her other colleagues.

Last year, in one highly publicised segment with Naga Munchetty, who hosts the show Thursday to Saturday, Carol discussed falling temperatures and encouraged viewers to enjoy the sunshine while it lasted. Naga then tried to steer the conversation back on track, quipping: "Well, I think we'll just talk about this week then, don't we?" Carol responded: "I think that's a really good plan, yes. For once, Naga, we agree on something!"

At the time, Carol was reporting live from the London Eye, and Naga hit back: "I know! I'll tell you what, I think it's because all the air up there has gone to your head. We'll resume once you come back down to ground."

It was laughed off, but it was not the first time the two appeared to share an awkward on-air moment, back in December 2024, Carol appeared to catch Naga out during a Christmas weather discussion. After Carol explained it was unlikely to be a white Christmas, Naga asked when viewers could expect clarity. Carol replied pointedly: "Well, I just told you."

Naga's regular co-host, Charlie Stayt, stepped in to clarify what had been said, prompting Naga to respond: "Did you?" before joking to Charlie, "What else did Carol say that you listened to so closely?"

Even Charlie lost his cool on another occasion when a weather graphics issue dragged on throughout the programme. Turning to Carol, he asked bluntly: "Are you going to fix this, Carol? This has been going on for many hours now. Is anything actually happening?" Carol calmly replied: "Of course, Charlie. Of course we are. It's a big problem, it's not just one that can be sorted like that."

Carol has never spoken publicly about her relationships with Naga and Charlie, but she sang the praises of presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent, who work on the show from Monday to Wednesday, as she told them on Tuesday: "I didn't want to get emotional, but you two are my friends, and I love you dearly."

It is clear that Sally and Jon feel exactly the same about Carol, as they both shared emotional tributes to the weather host on their respective social media pages; meanwhile, Naga and Charlie are yet to share a public comment on Carol's departure.

The weather expert admitted she left her longstanding role to spend time with her "gorgeous husband Steve", as she now looks forward to travelling the world with him. Carol remarked, "I love my husband more than my job", and honestly, after watching BBC Breakfast for many years now, I completely understand why she feels that way.

Express.co.uk has reached out to Carol Kirkwood and BBC for comment.