“I Am What I Am!”: BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood Hits Back at Vile Trolls with Defiant Message

1. A National Treasure Under Fire

She’s the sunny face millions rely on to brighten their mornings, but behind the BBC Breakfast weather desk, Carol Kirkwood has faced storms far fiercer than any she’s forecasted. For over two decades, the 63-year-old broadcaster has charmed viewers with her warmth, wit, and unmistakable Scottish lilt. She’s scooped up multiple TRIC Awards, wowed the nation on Strictly Come Dancing, and penned four bestselling novels—soon to be five. But even national treasures aren’t immune to the dark side of fame.

2. Online Abuse: The Ugly Side of Stardom

While Carol has earned a devoted fanbase, she’s also become a target for relentless online abuse. Trolls on X (formerly Twitter) and even emailers have hurled cruel insults, nitpicking everything from her outfits to her age. Some messages are so vile, she won’t even repeat them. “They’re being personal, but they don’t actually know you,” Carol told The Herald. “You let it go.” Still, she admits, even for the toughest skin, some barbs can sting.

3. Titles, Trolls, and Taking the High Road

Does she care what the haters think? Not one bit. In a new interview with Radio Times, Carol is unflinchingly honest: “I am what I am and I don’t really care what anybody thinks of me.” Whether she’s called a “weather girl,” “weather presenter,” or “broadcast meteorologist”—titles mean little to her. “I’m just doing my job to the best of my ability and hopefully improving myself on a daily basis, whether people think I’m capable or not.”

And when it comes to the torrents of negativity? “That’s water off a duck’s back to me now. Or maybe that should be heavy rain off a duck’s back,” she quips, refusing to let the trolls win.

4. The Double Standard: Sexism and Ageism in the Spotlight

But the abuse isn’t just about her job—it’s personal, often sexist, and riddled with ageism. Carol has faced comments about her appearance and even her wardrobe. “I’ve seen that dress seven times in the last month. Stop wearing it,” one troll wrote. Carol’s response? Take it on the chin. “You wouldn’t say that to somebody in the office,” she points out, highlighting the double standard women in the public eye endure.

Aging, too, is a favorite target for critics. But Carol refuses to bow to the pressure. “I won’t be getting rid of my laughter lines. What’s wrong with getting old? We all do,” she says, her voice tinged with both defiance and wisdom. Having lost three friends to breast cancer, she knows what really matters. “Why am I worried about a few lines?”

5. A Message for Every Age: Beauty Isn’t Just for the Young

In a world obsessed with youth, Carol’s message is refreshingly real. “It’s terribly sad there’s such a youth culture these days. People expect you to look young. Why? There’s beauty in every age.” For Carol, every wrinkle tells a story—a testament to laughter, life, and survival.

6. Still Standing, Still Smiling

As she prepares to release her fifth novel, Carol Kirkwood stands tall—a beacon of resilience in an industry that can be merciless. She’s weathered the storms, danced through the spotlight, and emerged stronger, refusing to let trolls dictate her worth.

So next time you see her bright smile lighting up BBC Breakfast, remember: behind that warmth is a woman who’s faced down the worst the internet can throw at her—and come out shining.

The full interview with Carol Kirkwood appears in the upcoming issue of Radio Times.