The Good Morning Britain presenter was showered in support after posting a touching message to her close friend.
Susanna Reid shared an emotional tribute to her former co-star (Image: ITV)
Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid has paid tribute to her close friend Carol Kirkwood, who announced her exit from BBC Breakfast earlier today (Tuesday 27 January).
After joining the BBC in 1998, Carol confirmed she would be leaving the corporation in April, during an emotional interview with Jon Kay and Sally Nugent.
Holding back tears, she said she had “loved every minute”, adding: “This hasn’t been an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right moment to step away. I’ll carry with me the most wonderful memories.”
Carol went on: “My job is something I’ve never taken for granted and I’ve loved every minute. From early starts and all manner of forecasts, I’ve shared it with incredible colleagues at BBC Breakfast, BBC Weather and programmes across the BBC. I’d like to thank them for their support and friendship which has meant the world.”
She concluded: “To those watching and listening at home – thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy.”
Carol went on to say she plans on spending more time with her husband Steve, writing her books and travelling, and choked up as she told Sally and Jon: “It’s really hard for me to say this because I love my job. I love all of you guys, my weather colleagues, every department I’ve worked with, and of course, all the viewers I’ve been so engaged with for many years. But it’s great! I don’t want to be coming in on my Zimmer frame, going, ‘I can’t reach the Northern Isles anymore!'”
Since announcing the news, Carol has been showered in support from fans and friends alike.
Susanna was among those paying tribute on social media, writing: “CAROL KIRKWOOD! The gorgeous force of nature @carolkirkwood is leaving BBC Breakfast. Let me tell you a few things about Carol, having been lucky enough to have worked with her (and shared a hotel room with her on a hen weekend)
“1. I have NEVER seen her in a bad mood. 2. She sends cards EVERY birthday and Christmas. 3. She ALWAYS has a giggle with every viewer who recognises her off air – and everyone does.
“Good luck Carol – enjoy your well-deserved lie-ins. Love you.”
Susanna was a co-presenter on BBC Breakfast from 2001 until 2014 alongside Bill Turnbull and Charlie Stayt before she joined Good Morning Britain.
Her post was showered in support, with one follower writing: “Absolutely fabulous picture. Good luck with your new venture, beautiful lovely @carolkirkwood.”
Another said: “What a lovely pair,” as a third added: “This has genuinely been made me sad.”
Former BBC Breakfast star Dan Walker also marked the “end of an era”, as he wrote on X, alongside several pictures with Carol: “I still get asked what Carol is like in real life and she is just the same lovely person you see on the telly.
“She was always so kind, generous and funny on and off screen and she will be hugely missed on @BBCBreakfast
“Throw that alarm clock away Carol. Long may she reign.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.