Popular BBC Breakfast weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has spoken out about the age gap between her and her husband, policeman Steve Randal, who is 48, while she is 62

BBC Breakfast’s beloved weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has candidly spoken about the age difference with her new hubby, who happens to be younger than her. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony last December after her first marriage naturally came to an end.

Carol, 62, found love again with Steve Randal, a serving police officer, and they’ve been together for around seven years before saying ‘I do’ in a charming, low-key wedding on December 27. Despite their 14-year age gap, Carol is unbothered by any criticism, pointing out that if the roles were reversed, it wouldn’t be such a talking point.

Carol and Steve wed in December (Image: (Image: TWITTER/CAROL KIRKWOOD))

Speaking to the Daily Express, Carol expressed: “If our ages were the other way around, nobody would ever mention it. I’ve had a few comments but I don’t care.”

She continued, dismissing outdated labels: “We’ve moved on from the days when he might have been described as my toyboy or people might call me a cougar. We’re happy together and that’s all that matters.”

Post-nuptials, returning to her BBC Breakfast family, Carol gushed over her special day: “I cannot tell you how fabulous it’s been! I would not change a thing about the day. It was very small as well and intimate, so you didn’t have to worry that Auntie Nelly didn’t have a glass of sherry in her hand! It was brilliant.”

BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood hit back at trolls who criticise her age gap with her husband (Image: BBC)
The weather presenter shared the news of her engagement live on BBC Breakfast back while appearing from the Chelsea Flower Show alongside co-host Sally Nugent in 2022.

Sally drew attention to the exciting update as she pointed out Carol’s noticeable new accessory. She said: “I’m a little bit concerned about you this morning. I don’t know how you’re managing to stand up with that giant rock on your left hand, Carol!”

Carol replied: “Oh, that one? Thank you Sal! It is rather nice, I got engaged.”

Sally asked for permission to “confirm to the nation” before adding: “Congratulations from all of us! It’s the happiest news, we are so, so delighted. Congratulations.”

Co-host Jon Kay also weighed in: ‘We’re all thrilled, we’re all so chuffed for you Carol, on behalf of all the team here and everybody watching, I’m sure. Absolutely delighted.

Carol Kirkwood showed off her ring on BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC Breakfast)
“Are you looking for a spot for the marquee while you’re at Chelsea?” he joked.

She told viewers how she was surprised by Steve’s proposal while on holiday in a very idyllic setting.

“We went out for a picnic, I had absolutely no idea,” Carol said last year. “The weather was glorious, we were sitting chatting… he was fumbling in his pocket and then out came a ring. I thought he was joking actually, I didn’t believe him to start with!”

Carol joined BBC News in 1998 and has stayed put ever since, now also having a career as a best-selling writer, and is also known for her participation in the 2015 series of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in 10th place.

Carol was previously married to Scottish entrepreneur Jimmy Kirkwood for 25 years before they called it quits in 2008. While the details of their split are kept under wraps, Carol did share: “It was a transition between being married and being divorced and suddenly being on your own.”

“All of that was new to me at the ripe old age in my forties. You were a wee bit lost but you get on with it.”