Carol Kirkwood was understandably emotional as she made her final appearance as presenter on BBC Breakfast after 28 years.
Kirkwood signed off with an emotional statement, and was met with messages of congratulations from friends and celebrities, including singer Bryan Adams, former BBC Wimbledon presenter Sue Barker and Line of Duty star, Vicky McClure.
"This is a forecast I've known for quite a while was coming, but that doesn't make it any easier to present", Kirkwood said. "Because after 28 years as a BBC weather presenter, tracking storms, chasing sunshine, and occasionally getting it completely wrong, I'm saying goodbye".
She continued: "When I first walked into this studio, I could never have imagined the journey ahead - back then, the graphics were simpler, the maps were a bit clunkier, and I had a lot less grey hair than this".
"But one thing has never changed, and that is the privilege and honour of being welcomed into your homes. Thank you, thank you for trusting me, be it telling you about heatwaves or snow, from big national events to the everyday question of: 'Do I need to take a brolly?'", the former presenter added.
"You've been the constant in all of this, and I've never taken that for granted, and thank you for all the wonderful gifts, cards, and messages. I'm really going to miss you".
Kirkwood went on to thank her colleagues both "past and present", with some of whom even joining her on the BBC sofa at the end of the show. Such colleagues included TV presenter Naga Munchetty.
Kirkwood went on add that her career had given her "friendships I treasure deeply".
Along with friends, Kirkwood was also joined by her husband, Steve Randall who said he "couldn't be more proud" and added he was the "luckiest man in the world" to be married to her. He presented her with flowers, with Carol saying she was "completely overwhelmed".
Speaking about what the future holds post her BBC career, Carol Kirkwood said: "I don't have a detailed forecast, but I do know this: it's time for a new chapter, a bit more time with Steve (Randall, her husband, who surprised her by appearing on the show), and perhaps the luxury of watching the weather instead of presenting it".
"Thank you for letting me be part of your lives".
The lovely occasion saw Kirkwood reunited with Flash, a dog that pulled her over during a live broadcast which went viral. Kirkwood greeted him by saying: "Hello gorgeous".
Paying tribute to Kirkwood, Canadian singer, Bryan Adams said: "Carol, just want to say thanks for all the great weather reports over the years, and good luck wherever you land".
"Take care, lots of love from Bryan".
Sue Barker shared a series of clips in her tribute to Kirkwood, saying: "You were always so embarrassed when people wanted to stop you and say how wonderful you are".
"Well, I hope today that you realise just how special you are and how loved you are. You're one in a million, and I'm proud to call you a friend".
Elsewhere, Vicky McClure wished Kirkwood "massive luck and massive love", adding: "Thank you for sharing the weather with us for all these years".
Carol Kirkwood, who is a published author, also took part in the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2015, which saw her partnered with dancer Pasha Kovalev. She was eliminated in the seventh week of the show.
