Carol Kirkwood leaves guests in tears after interrupting The One Show
The One Show was put on hold today (Thursday, January 9) to make way for this week’s One Big Thank You, led by BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood.
Carol made her way out to the seaside town of Hornsea to meet up with Kate and Jackie, who founded a women’s swimming group called the Hornsea Dolphins.
The club has since grown to over 400 members, made up of women who have found a safe haven amongst the daring cold water swimmers.
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Kate and Jackie were clearly left emotional when Carol surprised them on the beach with several of their swimming pals decked out in fancy dress.
The women stifled a gasp when the presenter revealed she wasn’t actually there to interview them for the local news.
In fact, she revealed: “I’m here on behalf of The One Show to give you our One Big Thank You!”
Cheers erupted from the crowd as Kate and Jackie let out shocked cries and laughs, beginning to tear up.
Kate said: “This group, as a group, is absolutely phenomenal. The friendships that have been formed, the fun that we have… you would not think that Hornsea would have it in it.”
And Jackie added: “It’s changed not our lives, but all our lives.”
Later, Carol took the ladies to a local café to share some heartfelt messages from their friends and family.
Kate admitted “Oh, I’m going to cry” as the videos started, which included a surprise appearance from her sister, Liz, from Spain.
With tears in her eyes, Kate told the group: “From the bottom of, I’m sure, both our hearts, thank you so very, very much. You’re all absolutely amazing friends and we love you.”
In their Big Thank You nomination, Hornsea Dolphins member Tracey Riley championed the pair for “creating a safe environment for like-minded women.”
Anna Chipchase revealed the members swim “365 days a year”, getting up early every morning to take the plunge.
And Nicola Marrow said: “It’s way more than a swimming group. It’s friendship, it’s connections, it’s togetherness. It’s a community.”
If you're in the Hornsea area, find out more about the Hornsea Dolphins swimming group on their website, https://hornseadolphins.co.uk/.
The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
