Tearful Carol Kirkwood has announced that she will be leaving the BBC.

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood shed tears as she announced on BBC Breakfast that she was leaving the corporation after more than 25 years.

He hugged his co-presenters, saying, “It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job.”

Kirkwood, who joined the BBC in 1998.

Kirkwood, who joined the BBC in 1998, will leave in April and said it has been an “absolute privilege” to bring viewers the weather every day.

Following her regular morning forecast, the 63-year-old broke the news of her departure while sitting on the breakfast sofa, saying she was looking forward to spending more time with her husband and going on a trip.

Kirkwood told presenters John Kay and Sally Nugent: “I didn’t want to get sentimental, but you’re both my friends, and I love you very much.”

But she explained, “I want to spend more time with my handsome husband, Steve.”

“We just got married a few years ago and we’re like ships that pass in the night, so I’m really looking forward to doing that.” We also want to travel.

She added, “I love my job, I love working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job.”

Asked about the end of the morning start, he joked, “What’s the lie? I don’t know. Alarm clocks will be a thing of the past.”

“It has not been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right time to step down,” he said. “I will take with me the most wonderful memories.”

Kirkwood worked at The Weather Channel, the Met Office and the BBC before joining the BBC Weather Center in April 1998.

She began broadcasting on the BBC News Channel and began appearing regularly on BBC One. She has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010.

As well as presenting the daily bulletins, Kirkwood often presented the weather on location, including Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and royal events.

She has also reported for The One Show and competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, reaching the eighth week with her partner Pasha Kovalev.

Kirkwood has received numerous industry honors, including being repeatedly named Best TV Weather Presenter at the TV and Radio Industries Club (TRIC) awards.

She said, “My work is something I never take for granted and I love every minute of it.”

“To those watching and listening at home – thank you for the kindness you’ve shown me over the years; it’s been a pleasure to be a part of your mornings.”

Jonathan Munro, interim CEO of BBC News, said Kirkwood had made an “extraordinary” contribution to the corporation.

He said, “From major national moments to the everyday forecasts that are a vital part of our audiences’ lives, he has set the gold standard for our accurate, valuable journalism – always delivered with a seemingly positive attitude.”

“The BBC teams will miss him greatly. We wish him all the best for the future.”