BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood absent from line-up after 'running off'

20 February 2023 , 10:06

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BBC Breakfast's Carol Kirkwood absent from line-up after 'running off'

Carol Kirkwood was nowhere to be seen as viewers tuned into Monday's instalment of BBC Breakfast in a major shake-up.

The fan-favourite meteorologist is frequently seen on screen sharing jokes with her co-stars as well as informing the nation of what weather they can expect throughout the day.

But while Carol, 60, was noticeably absent from the BBC studios, she was replaced by fellow weather broadcaster Matt Taylor who had some rather glum news to share.

Matt explained to viewers that they would be waking up to cloudy spells as well as places including Belfast, Aberdeen and parts of the Lake District and Scotland would experience rain throughout the day.

Carol Kirkwood was noticeably absent from BBC Breakfast (BBC)

The broadcaster was warmly received by news anchors Jon Kay and Sally Nugent before sharing a joke about Carol's absence.

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Addressing his co-stars, he joked: "This morning, I think Carol has run off with a bit of sunshine in her bag."

However, Carol recently took to social media to explain that she was in fact enjoying some well-deserved time off from her role on the Salford-based programme.

Carol was replaced by fellow meteorologist Matt Taylor (BBC)

In view of her 239,800 Twitter followers, she shared snaps of the White Cliffs of Dover alongside the caption: "So looking forward to this trip! Off in search of the Northern Lights in beautiful Norway @Hurtiagents.

"Can't wait!!! White Cliffs of Dover looking resplendent."

Carol's absence comes just days after she went missing during the Thursday edition of BBC Breakfast after sports broadcaster Mike Bushell took a swipe at the star.

Carol recently revealed on social media she is off to find the Northern Lights (BBC)

Mike joined Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on the famous red sofa as they discussed the poor weather as Stayt asked whether Bushell arrived at work to be greeted by rain.

"You'd hope that Carol would cheer us up, wouldn't you?" asked Naga before Mike appeared to take a cheeky swipe at his co-star.

As Carol made her first appearance on screen, he commented: "I don't hold out much hope looking at her."

His comment left Naga stunned as she responded: "Oh, oh, I don't know if that came out as he meant."

But Mike later clarified that he was actually talking about the screen behind Carol as he stated: "The skies behind you."

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However, Naga seized the moment to make light of the situation with a cheeky joke, adding: "You need to be careful Mike, the temper will come out there," while pointing to Carol.

"That's called backpedalling furiously, Mike," added Carol before continuing with her weather broadcast.

*BBC Breakfast airs weekdays at 6am on BBC One

Daniel Bird