Carol Kirkwood teases TV return with gameshow after Naga Munchetty clash on BBC Breakfast

Seven months after walking away from the BBC, Kirkwood has admitted it was “tough” to say goodbye and said she’s open to returning for “spells of time” depending on “what was offered”.

She told Best magazine that she and police officer Randall, 50, have a “dream” BBC game show that they would love to participate in.

Carol Kirkwood hinted that she might return to TV

BBC

Kirkwood revealed they are eager to appear on Celebrity Race Across the World, which sees teams pushing themselves to the limit in an epic international race, with one group eventually being crowned the winner.

She joked: “His problem would be getting me out of the toot shops. I'd be saying, 'Oh, look at this fridge magnet!'"

Reflecting on her BBC exit, she added: "I absolutely loved my job and my colleagues, and it was a wrench. But Steve and I wanted to travel.

“We're both fit and healthy, as far as we know, but we might not be if we wait another 10 years."So it was a case of, 'Right, let's do it.' But it took a long time to decide."

Asked if she was "frightened about stepping into the unknown", she replied: "Not really because it took so long to decide that, by the time I did, it felt right. And my writing career was there. The nice thing is I don't get up at 3am anymore!"

Kirkwood’s departure from BBC Breakfast was shrouded in controversy due to her strained onscreen exchanges with Munchetty, 51, on her last day.

She clashed with Naga Munchetty on her last day

BBC

Munchetty - who was reportedly placed under review last year following alleged complaints of bullying - was one of the only presenters not to make a pre-recorded solo tribute to Kirkwood on her final day at BBC Breakfast.

Kirkwood appeared surprised that Munchetty was in the studio among their other colleagues to bid her farewell, saying: “Thank you all for coming - and even you, Nags!”

Munchetty said with a deadpan expression, “I’m just waiting for the countdown for you to go!” before laughing.

She then presented Kirkwood with a weather-themed illustration as a parting gift. Kirkwood said: “I will treasure this! It's going to have pride of place...” as Munchetty interrupted to ask: “In the toilet?”

After a special cake was brought over to Kirkwood, she quipped: “Are you going to break the habit of a lifetime and actually share the cake?”

Munchetty was accused of making ‘rude’ comments

BBC

Kirkwood replied, “No, Naga, absolutely not - why would I do that?” and Munchetty responded: “Exactly. Why change it? We're only going to remember you one way.”

The exchanges left viewers wondering if the pair battled tensions backstage. Sources later said Munchetty’s “awkward” and “sly jabs” were poorly timed considering the scandals the BBC had faced, including Scott Mills’ sacking.

However, a TV insider told The Sun: “Naga and Carol have been very close personal friends for many years, as well as being very good colleagues as part of the BBC Breakfast Team.

“Everyone involved in Carol Kirkwood’s last programme for Breakfast on 1 April was there to pay tribute to Carol’s long service for the BBC, and they all did so fittingly.”