Carol Kirkwood Hits Back at Trolls After Years of Online Abuse: ‘Water Off a Duck’s Back’

Carol Kirkwood, the beloved BBC Breakfast weather presenter, has once again spoken out against the years of abuse she’s faced online. The 63-year-old, who has been a staple of the long-running breakfast program since 1997, revealed in a candid interview that she’s been subjected to twisted and personal trolling throughout her career. Despite the years of negativity, she has finally hit back, telling her critics that their comments no longer bother her, calling them “water off a duck’s back.”

Kirkwood, who has built a massive and loyal fanbase during her tenure at BBC Breakfast, acknowledged the challenges of being in the public eye, but emphasized that she’s become impervious to the online attacks. “I am what I am, and I don’t really care what anybody thinks of me,” she told Radio Times. “Whether I’m a ‘weather girl’ or a ‘weather presenter’ or a ‘broadcast meteorologist,’ it doesn’t really bother me.”

Rising Above the Trolls: A Stronger Mindset

In her powerful response to the years of online abuse, Kirkwood made it clear that she refuses to be defined by the negative comments. “I’m just doing my job to the best of my ability and hopefully improving myself on a daily basis, whether people think I’m capable or not. Titles don’t really matter,” she said, showing her unwavering commitment to her craft.

Kirkwood continued, acknowledging the “dreadful things” that have been said about her, but with an air of indifference. “That’s water off a duck’s back to me now,” she added, before humorously quipping, “Or maybe that should be heavy rain off a duck’s back?” Her ability to make light of such cruel treatment speaks to her resilience and her refusal to let trolls affect her mindset.

In a previous interview with The Herald in 2014, Kirkwood opened up about the personal nature of the trolling she experienced. “They’re being very personal,” she had said, revealing the toll it had taken. However, she now seems determined to rise above the cruelty, showing the world that the negativity doesn’t stand a chance against her positive attitude.

A Long-Standing Career and Personal Growth

Carol Kirkwood’s journey in the media began in 1992 at the age of 30, working at the now-defunct Windsor TV. After short stints on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio 2, and Radio 4, her first on-screen role at the BBC came in 1993 as a freelance presenter. She went on to become a prominent figure in BBC News and eventually became one of the leading faces of BBC Weather, appearing across the network’s radio and television programs, including BBC News at Six and BBC World News.

Her career has been filled with significant milestones, and she has become one of the most trusted and recognized meteorologists in the UK. Despite the challenges she’s faced both on and off screen, Kirkwood has remained a strong figure in British media, winning the respect and admiration of her peers, colleagues, and viewers alike.

Addressing Her Health Concerns

In a more recent BBC Breakfast appearance, Kirkwood provided fans with an update on her health. Viewers had noticed she had been struggling with a hoarse voice and cough, and during the show, she clarified that she was dealing with a “pesky 100-day cough.” Laughing off the inconvenience, Kirkwood shared her frustration but remained upbeat. “It just keeps giving. It won’t go,” she joked, proving that her resilience extends far beyond online criticism.

Personal Milestones: A New Chapter in Life

Despite the challenges, Kirkwood also shared moments of joy with her fans. In December 2023, she stunned viewers when she revealed that she had married her partner, Steve Randall, in a small, intimate ceremony at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire. Describing the wedding as “the most perfect and romantic and intimate,” Kirkwood expressed her happiness and gratitude for the support from her fans. “We are both so incredibly happy,” she said, adding that it was a day they would never forget. “It wasn’t a ‘secret’ wedding, just a private one,” she clarified.

Kirkwood’s openness about her personal life and her ability to share her happiness with fans only strengthened the bond she has with her audience. Despite the trolling and online negativity, she continues to be a beacon of positivity and an inspiration to those who follow her.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Kirkwood’s recent comments show a shift in her approach to handling the challenges of being in the public eye. She’s no longer letting the trolls have the power to bring her down. With her decades-long career, strength of character, and a loving support system, she is moving forward with a renewed sense of confidence. She is proof that one can rise above negativity, maintaining dignity, humor, and grace while continuing to excel professionally and personally.

Her decision to stand firm and embrace her career and identity, regardless of online criticism, sends a strong message to everyone facing similar challenges: don’t let the haters win. By being herself and not letting the trolls define her, Carol Kirkwood is not only excelling in her career but also setting a powerful example for others to follow.

Conclusion: A Symbol of Resilience

Carol Kirkwood’s ability to face years of online abuse and rise above it is a testament to her resilience and inner strength. By taking ownership of her career, laughing off the negativity, and focusing on what truly matters, she has become a role model for viewers who may be struggling with their own personal battles.

Her story serves as a reminder that no matter the adversity we face, we can always choose to remain true to ourselves and rise above the noise. Whether it’s through her career achievements, her personal growth, or her refusal to let the trolls define her, Carol Kirkwood continues to inspire with her unwavering strength and positive outlook on life.