Carol Kirkwood returns to the limelight with rarely-seen husband Steve after emotional BBC exit

Carol Kirkwood stepped out at Royal Ascot in Berkshire earlier this month, making a rare public appearance alongside her husband, Steve Randall. 

The former BBC weather presenter was the picture of elegance in a figure-hugging white dress featuring a colourful floral print. Meanwhile, her husband looked dapper in a morning suit and top hat.

© Maureen McLean / Alamy Stock Photo

Carol looked radiant as she beamed for the cameras alongside her husband, after presenting trophies to the winners of the Windsor Castle Stakes.

The couple's glamorous outing comes just months after Carol bid an emotional farewell to viewers in her final BBC Breakfast show on Wednesday, 1 April. 

During the programme, her husband Steve made a surprise appearance, greeting his other half with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.

© BBC

Addressing viewers for the last time, Carol reflected on her 28 years working for the broadcaster. "This job has given me so much more than a career, it's given me memories I will carry forever, friendships I treasure deeply and a front row seat to the incredible, unpredictable beauty of our weather, a subject I still love," said Carol. 

As for her future plans, she said: "It's time for a new chapter, a bit more time with Steve and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives."

Carol and Steve's home life

Carol and Steve, who live in Berkshire, first met back in 2017. "I met Steve in my 50s; we were friends before we were romantically linked," the former weather presenter previously told HELLO!. "He is funny, gorgeous and, also, he is really kind, thoughtful and romantic."

© WireImage

Steve popped the question in the spring of 2022 during a romantic picnic by the River Thames near their home. 

"Steve started fidgeting; I turned to say: 'What's wrong?' He was on his knee, and he proposed," explained Carol. "At first, I thought he was joking, but he said: 'No no, I really do mean it, Will you marry me?' I said: 'Yes!! Of course!'"

© Alamy Stock Photo

Just over a year later, the couple tied the knot in a stunning winter ceremony held at Cliveden House in Berkshire. "It was the perfect day, it was a small intimate wedding, it was beautiful and very romantic," Carol previously told The One Show.