The One Show took a backseat today (Thursday, January 9) to accommodate the programme’s segment One Big Thank You, with BBC’s renowned weather presenter Carol Kirkwood leading the special event.
Carol journeyed to the coastal locality of Hornsea to join forces with Kate and Jackie, the pioneering duo behind the women’s swimming group, the Hornsea Dolphins.
What started as a small venture has blossomed into a community of over 400 members, where women have discovered camaraderie and refuge with fellow enthusiasts of bracing cold water dips.
Upon Carol’s surprising appearance on the beach met by various members of the group decked out in whimsical costumes both Kate and Jackie were visibly moved.
A mixture of surprise and delight emerged among the women when they realised that Carol was not there for a local news piece, reports Wales Online.
She dramatically announced: “I’m here on behalf of The One Show to give you our One Big Thank You!”
The revelation sparked an explosion of joy among the assembled crowd, prompting gasps, laughter, and emotional tears from the two founders.
Kate enthused about the extraordinary impact their group has had: “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.”
Echoing her sentiments, Jackie remarked: “It’s changed not our lives, but all our lives.”
Subsequently, Carol invited the pair to a cosy café to relay moving tributes from their nearest and dearest.
With the onset of sentimental video messages, including a touching cameo by her sister Liz from Spain, Kate confessed amidst emerging tears, “Oh, I’m going to cry”.
With tears in her eyes, Kate expressed her gratitude to the group, saying: “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.”
Tracey Riley, a member of the Hornsea Dolphins, praised the duo in their Big Thank You nomination for “creating a safe environment for like-minded women.”
Anna Chipchase disclosed that the members commit to their aquatic routine “365 days a year”, rising early each day to embrace the water.
Nicola Marrow enthused: “It’s way more than a swimming group. It’s friendship, it’s connections, it’s togetherness. It’s a community.”
For those in the Hornsea vicinity interested in joining, further details about the Hornsea Dolphins swimming group can be found on their website at https://hornseadolphins.co.uk/.
The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.