BBC WEATHER presenter Alina Jenkins is forecasting a future out of the TV spotlight after deciding to leave the role she has made her own.

Alina has been a firm favourite on the regional news programme and Radio Solent, drawing a legion of fans who plan their days around her predictions of sunny spells or patchy rain.

She first adorned our screens four years ago, having forged a career by applying to the BBC Talent scheme, which immediately spotted her potential.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Alina said that she was sad to leave the role, adding: "I've been with the BBC for five years now, after finding my way in, through BBC Talent, to BBC Radio Solent.

"For the past four years I've been weather presenter on BBC South Today as well as BBC Radio Solent and I've had such a lovely time that it's been a really tough decision to leave."

Alina said that she had decided to leave so that she could spend more time with her family, and that she aims to support her husband in his furnishings business.

She plans to leave her BBC post on or around July 21.

She added: "I've been so lucky in my job, but I want to spend more time with my son, Max, 6, and my husband David. David is just expanding his business and I want to be able to support him."

Alina's fans will be delighted to hear that she will not be disappearing from our screens permanently, as she plans to step in to cover future presenters' holiday leave. She added: "I'm really going to miss my colleagues as well as listeners and viewers, but I will be keeping my toe in the door and coming back to do holiday cover from time to time."