When you hear the name Carol Kirkwood, the image that often comes to mind is that of a smiling BBC weather presenter brightening up British mornings with her charm and charisma. Yet, before she became a household name as Carol Kirkwood, she was born Carol MacKellaig. For decades, her career, personal life, and even her literary journey have fascinated audiences in the UK and abroad. This article aims to dive deep into Who is Carol MacKellaig?, unraveling her roots, her marriage to Jimmy Kirkwood (1990–2008), her career, and her enduring public image.
Early Life and Background
Carol MacKellaig was born on 29 May 1962 in Morar, Inverness-shire, nestled in the Scottish Highlands. Coming from a large family of eight children, she grew up with strong family values, humility, and resilience that would later reflect in her professional demeanor. Her birth name—MacKellaig—connects her to her Scottish heritage, though her fame would eventually rise under her married name, Kirkwood.
From an early age, Carol showed determination and a drive to succeed. She attended Lochaber High School before pursuing higher education at Napier University (now Edinburgh Napier University), where she graduated with a BA in Commerce. At the time, she had no inkling that her name would one day become synonymous with weather forecasting, broadcasting, and even bestselling novels.
The First Steps into Broadcasting
After graduation, Carol’s professional journey began in a rather humble fashion. She initially worked at the BBC in various behind-the-scenes roles. Her tasks ranged from secretarial positions to production roles. It was during this time that she began developing her understanding of broadcasting and the technical intricacies of television production.
She eventually transitioned into presenting roles at BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 2. Her voice and natural charisma gained recognition, opening more doors. Later, she moved into TV continuity announcing for BBC Scotland. These years laid the foundation for her future broadcasting career, though at the time she was still known as Carol MacKellaig.
Becoming Carol Kirkwood: Marriage and Name Change
In 1990, Carol MacKellaig married Jimmy Kirkwood, a property developer. Following her marriage, she adopted the name Carol Kirkwood, which would eventually become her professional identity. The marriage lasted until 2008, after which the couple divorced.
It is important to note a common misconception: many online sources have mistakenly identified her ex-husband as the Northern Irish sportsman Jimmy Kirkwood, a hockey and cricket international. This is incorrect. Her ex-husband was a businessman, not the athlete, and their marriage was largely kept private, away from the media spotlight.
Despite their divorce, Carol has often spoken about how the experience shaped her outlook on life and independence. She remained optimistic and resilient, qualities that resonated with her viewers.
Training with the Met Office
A pivotal career shift occurred when Carol undertook formal training with the Met Office. This specialized training allowed her to transition into weather presenting—a field where she would ultimately excel. By 1998, Carol had joined BBC News, and soon after, she became the weather presenter for BBC Breakfast.
This role catapulted her into the public eye, where her professionalism, warm presence, and ability to connect with viewers turned her into a household name. Whether reporting live from major events such as Wimbledon or presenting from the BBC studio, Carol’s confident style made her one of the most recognizable faces on British television.
Awards and Recognition
Over her career, Carol Kirkwood (née MacKellaig) has received multiple accolades. Most notably, she has won the TRIC Award (Television and Radio Industries Club) for Best TV Weather Presenter numerous times. These awards testify not only to her popularity but also to her credibility and skill in delivering weather forecasts in a way that feels approachable and trustworthy.
Her dedication to her craft has ensured that she remained a beloved figure in UK broadcasting for over two decades.
Carol MacKellaig as an Author
Beyond television, Carol discovered another passion: writing fiction. Beginning in 2021, she launched herself into the literary world, penning romantic novels often set in beautiful, escapist locations.
Some of her most notable works include:
- Under a Greek Moon (2021)
- The Hotel on the Riviera (2022)
- Secrets of the Villa Amore (2023)
- Once Upon a Time in Venice (2024)
Her novels, much like her TV persona, offer warmth, charm, and an escape from the mundane. Readers find her stories uplifting, filled with sunshine, glamour, and heartfelt emotion.
Carol on Strictly Come Dancing
In 2015, Carol took on a new challenge by competing in the popular show Strictly Come Dancing. Partnered with professional dancer Pasha Kovalev, she showcased a different side of herself—fun, lighthearted, and willing to step outside her comfort zone. While she did not win the competition, her participation further endeared her to the public, proving she was more than just a weather presenter.
Personal Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Jimmy Kirkwood in 2008, Carol continued to focus on her career. For many years, she kept her private life discreet. However, in 2022, she announced her engagement live on BBC Breakfast, and in 2023, she married Steve Randall, a retired police officer. Her fans welcomed the news with excitement, as many had long admired her resilience and positive outlook.
The Confusion Around “Jimmy Kirkwood”
As mentioned earlier, a recurring issue in articles and online blogs has been the mistaken identity of Carol’s ex-husband. Some sources erroneously linked her to the Northern Irish sportsman Jimmy Kirkwood. The athlete himself has clarified that he has never been married to Carol Kirkwood. The truth is simpler: her ex-husband was a property developer, and the mix-up stems solely from a name coincidence.
This distinction matters for accuracy, especially when writing about Carol’s personal history. While gossip and myths swirl online, Carol herself has rarely commented publicly about her former marriage.
Carol’s Legacy as “Carol MacKellaig”
Although the world knows her as Carol Kirkwood, her birth name Carol MacKellaig is integral to her identity. It is a reminder of her Scottish heritage, her roots in the Highlands, and the journey she has taken from a small-town girl to one of the UK’s most respected broadcasters. The name connects her past to her present and remains a key part of her story.
Public Image and Influence
What makes Carol MacKellaig/Kirkwood stand out is her relatability. Unlike many TV personalities, she projects warmth and authenticity. Her weather reports are not merely factual but infused with a touch of charm that resonates with audiences. Her ability to balance professionalism with friendliness has contributed greatly to her long-lasting career.
Her novels also reinforce this image. By writing stories that bring joy, hope, and romance, she extends her influence beyond television into the literary world.
Conclusion: Carol MacKellaig’s Story
From her beginnings in Morar, Scotland, as Carol MacKellaig, to her success as Carol Kirkwood, her life embodies resilience, reinvention, and authenticity. She has navigated the complexities of personal life—including a long marriage to Jimmy Kirkwood (1990–2008)—and built a career that spans broadcasting, writing, and public appearances.
Today, Carol remains an admired public figure who continues to inspire through her optimism and talent. Her story shows that reinvention is possible at every stage of life and that true success comes from being genuine and persevering.
This detailed exploration of Carol MacKellaig—better known as Carol Kirkwood—has been written exclusively for readers of Movies Mod Celebrity, where we bring you stories that inform, inspire, and entertain.