BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood discusses pressure to avoid 'fat day' on television

Of waking up at 2.45am every day, she said: 'It’s like having permanent jet lag'

The face of Breakfast weather, Carol Kirkwood (PA)

Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood has spoken about the pressure of being under the gaze of millions of viewers every morning.

The 56-year-old, who is the face of BBC Breakfast's weather, admitted to feeling better on the screen when she’s not having a "fat day".

Speaking to Radio Times, the former Strictly Come Dancing contestant said that even though her early morning schedule leaves her with “permanent jet lag”, she would never quit the role.

“I like it if my hair is neat and my makeup is OK and I’m not having a fat day. When you just feel bleurgh,” she told the publication.

“I didn’t get this figure eating salad. But I go to the gym and I run. I try to be healthy.

“When I put on weight, it’s annoying, but I try to get it off. Perhaps I’m under a little bit more pressure because I’m on the telly.”

The weather update at around 8am has around 1.5 million viewers each morning, with the Scottish presenter saying she sets her alarm for 2.45am. Kirkwood’s intense schedule keeps her from drinking alcohol throughout the week due to fear of on-airs slips.

“I used to work five days a week on Breakfast. I cut it back to four days but I’m still always sleep-deficient. It’s like having permanent jet lag.

She continued: “I’d never give it up. If they showed me the door I would hang on by my fingernails.”