Alex Osborne, BBC South West's weather presenter, is moving to ITV after 16 years. This follows Carol Kirkwood's recent emotional departure from BBC Breakfast after three decades. The news has been met with widespread support and well wishes.
Alex Osborne , a familiar face to viewers in the South West, is leaving the BBC after a distinguished sixteen-year career to join ITV . The meteorologist announced her departure on social media platform X, expressing both sadness at leaving the BBC and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead as a journalist with ITV .
Her last day with the BBC is scheduled for May 4th. The announcement was met with an outpouring of support and well wishes from colleagues and viewers alike, many congratulating her on the move and wishing her success in her new role. Osborne’s journey with the BBC began in 2010, initially as a live events showcase presenter. Over the years, she has held a diverse range of positions within the corporation, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to broadcasting.
These roles included assistant producer/researcher for BBC Radio 3, project and events coordinator for BBC Proms & BBC Symphony Orchestra, travel presenter and entertainment reporter for BBC Radio Devon, and production assistant for BBC Factual Television. This move follows a recent trend of prominent weather presenters departing the BBC, most notably Carol Kirkwood, who delivered her final BBC Breakfast weather forecast earlier this month after three decades of service.
Kirkwood’s departure was an emotional event, marked by tears and heartfelt tributes from colleagues and viewers. She announced her decision to leave in January, citing a desire to spend more time with her husband, Steve Randall. Her final forecast on April 1st was accompanied by a moving video tribute featuring messages from numerous BBC stars, including Sue Barker, Vicky McClure, Paul Merton, Zoe Ball, Clare Balding, Chris Evans, and Sir Chris Hoy.
The tributes highlighted Kirkwood’s impact on weather reporting, her engaging on-screen presence, and her warm personality. Colleagues praised her ability to connect with viewers, whether she was presenting from a studio, on location at major events like the Chelsea Flower Show and Wimbledon, or interacting with the public. Further tributes came from Charlie Stayt, Louise Minchin, Sian Williams, Susanna Reid, and Dan Walker, who described her as ‘lovely, kind and caring’ and acknowledged the joy she brought to the nation.
A particularly touching moment came when a message from Bryan Adams was played, thanking her for her years of dedicated weather reports. Kirkwood’s departure signifies the end of an era for BBC Breakfast and leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. Osborne’s transition to ITV represents a significant career move and a new chapter for the experienced meteorologist. While the BBC is losing a valued member of its team, ITV gains a skilled and popular presenter.
The timing of these departures, with both Osborne and Kirkwood leaving within a short period, raises questions about the future of weather presentation at the BBC. However, both presenters have expressed gratitude for their time at the corporation and excitement for their new opportunities. Osborne’s announcement was concise and positive, focusing on the next steps in her career.
Kirkwood’s farewell was more emotional, but she also emphasized her appreciation for the support she received from colleagues and viewers over the years. The departures of Osborne and Kirkwood highlight the competitive landscape of broadcast journalism and the opportunities available to talented presenters. It remains to be seen how the BBC will respond to these changes and what the future holds for weather presentation on the channel.
The public reaction to both departures demonstrates the strong connection viewers have with their favorite weather presenters and the impact they have on the daily viewing experience
Alex Osborne BBC ITV Weather Presenter Carol Kirkwood
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