BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent pays emotional tribute after Carol Kirkwood announcement

BBC Breakfast presenter Sally Nugent paid an emotional tribute to her co-star Carol Kirkwood after the meteorologist announced she was leaving the programme after two decades. Carol choked back tears as she made the announcement live on air on Tuesday's programme.

Taking to Instagram after sharing the sad news, Sally posted a montage of clips and photos of Carol on BBC Breakfast over the years.

Alongside the emotional post, she wrote, "Carol has been a part of all our lives on @bbcbreakfast for more than two decades. And this morning, she has announced she will be leaving us in April.

"We first worked together many years ago on a snowy hillside in Hampshire. Carol was doing the weather I was doing the news. I turned up without a coat. Carol had a spare. And hand warmers. And two flasks of tea to share. She’s looked after me ever since!

"We have laughed (a lot) through life’s dramas, sunny holidays, and broken TV graphics. And now she’s off for adventures with her gorgeous husband Steve and to write more of her brilliant books."

Sally added, "I will miss her in the mornings. But I cannot wait for Carol's next chapter."

Sally's followers rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts, with Eamonn Holmes leading the way, writing, "Missing you already, Carol xxx."

Steph McGovern simply penned a series of red love heart emojis.

While one fan said, "You are such a wonderful team in Breakfast, please pass on best wishes to Carol for a beautiful future, Sally we met briefly at Bels lewers Carol Concert 2 years ago, so lovely to meet you and look after Carol - there will be lots of tears at the end but all happy ones xxx."

Another added, "Sally you are so right, 'Our Carol' as we have always called her is an absolute star, and the weather just wont be the same."

As she sat on the red sofa with Sally and Jon Kay, Carol said it had been an "absolute privilege" working with them.

She told her co-stars: "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 added, "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."

BBC Breakfast airs daily at 6am on BBC One.