BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood, 61, breaks silence on fan comments about her figure as she reveals weight loss plans

BBC Breakfast star Carol Kirkwood has opened up about how people's opinions on her looks make her feel in a new interview.

The BBC weather anchor and best-selling author revealed that she feels ‘no pressure’ to change her image.

The 61-year-old who will be gracing the front page of Prima’s February 2024 issue has spoken out about her curvy figure and opened up about her plans to lose weight in the new year. 

Speaking about her midlife matters, Carol said: “I feel no pressure whatsoever about how I look. I’m just into my 60s, but I think the positive is that you care less about what people think of you. 

“You hear people’s opinions, but you don’t take them on board as much as when you’re younger.” 

The TV star usually receives compliments from fans of the show, and in one incident where she was presenting at Blenheim Palace, fans took to social media and complimented her looks, with one user saying: “You're looking very trim and fit Carol Kirkwood.”

As this year ends and the new year begins, the TV star was asked by the publication what her New Year's resolution would be, to which she replied: “My resolutions are always the same – the first one is to get fit, and the second one is to lose weight. 

“I fail by the second day of January on both. There’s always so much leftover food. And then I’m going to start again on Monday – but I never do!”

The TV meteorologist also discussed her best-selling books with the mag, saying: “I was asked to write a book either about myself, the weather or fiction. 

“Weather is changing all the time, and there are so many books about it, and I’m too private to write about myself. 

“So I thought, “I’ll try fiction, and if it’s rubbish, no one will publish it, so I haven’t lost anything, but I’ll have a nice time writing.” And I absolutely do. 

“Never in my dreams did I expect my books to be bestsellers. It’s wonderful.”

When asked what the future holds for her, the BBC newsreader said: “It’ll be nice to retire one day and focus on my writing. 

“At the moment, I have two careers running in parallel, and they’re both full-time, so it’s time-consuming. 

“But I also love both of them, and if you want something done, ask a busy person. I can’t imagine I’ll be doing the weather when I’m 90, though!”

Speaking on the weather and climate change, Carol admitted that ‘the aftermath of wildfires or flooding’ made her feel very emotional.

The February 2023 issue of Prima is now on sale, and BBC Breakfast is on BBC iPlayer and Weekdays 6 am on BBC One.