KATE Garraway has made an emotional return to Good Morning Britain this morning following the funeral of her husband Derek Draper.
The Good Morning Britain star, 56, appeared on the show alongside Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley.
Kate’s appearance is her first interview since Derek Draper’s death on January 3.
Heartbroken Kate has told pals she is keen to keep busy and get stuck into work as she continues to mourn Derek.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates…
Kate Garraway returns to GMB
Kate Garraway has returned to Good Morning Britain alongside hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley.
Kate has joined the show from her home just three days after her beloved husband’s funeral.
Kate’s struggle
Kat suffered her own secret health battle last year when rushed to A&E at 4.30am after she cared for Derek on just four hours sleep.
She had collapsed and doctors warned her she could be suffering from stress-related angina. Kate has also spent the last few years fighting to provide for her family.
Reports have suggested she may be forced to sell her home which was adapted to accommodate Derek’s recovery.
When will Kate be on GMB?
Kate Garraway is just minutes from returning to the show.
Presenter Richard Madeley revealed she will appear on the programme from 8.20am.
He this morning said: “We’re going to be joined by our friend and colleague Kate Garraway speaking here for the first time since the passing of her beloved husband Derek.
“About everything that’s happened over the last month, and how much strength she’s drawn from all your kind messages of support, which we’ve put in a book of condolence for her.”
How did Kate and Derek meet?
The pair were introduced by ex-GMTV political editor Gloria De Piero and met up at Claridges in a group.
Speaking to The Times, Kate recalled: “Derek arrived thinking it was a date and that I was being incredibly cool by ignoring him.”
Kate added: “He asked me out, but the day of our date called to say he had a clash.
“He’d promised to serve wine at an amateur watercolour painting exhibition at his church. I really thought it was a wind-up.
“But I turned up and he was indeed serving wine to the congregation in a salmon-pink jumper.”
Derek was one of the longest-suffering Covid patients
Derek Draper was one of the country’s longest-suffering Covid patients after contracting the virus back in 2020.
Since being discharged in 2021, Derek has been readmitted to hospital on numerous occasions.
Dereck suffered a heart attack on December 11 and was rushed to hospital.
In pictures: Derek Draper’s funeral
Good Morning Britain star, Kate, was joined by the couple’s two children Darcey and Billie, with 17-year-old Darcey bravely helping carry the coffin as her tearful mother looked on.
Kate’s touching tribute to Derek during funeral
Kate Garraway paid an emotional tribute to her husband Derek at his funeral last week.
Poignantly Kate wore Derek’s watch during the funeral.
Kate’s Good Morning Britain colleagues attended Derek’s funeral
Kate’s GMB co-stars past and present, including Ben, Richard Madeley, Piers Morgan — now at TalkTV — Charlotte Hawkins and Susanna Reid attended in support of their popular colleague.
Ex-PM Tony Blair, political adviser Derek’s former boss, gave a speech during the emotional funeral.
Sir Elton John sang Skyline Pigeon, with lyrics including “Turn me loose from your hands/Let me fly to distant lands”.
When was Kate last on Good Morning Britain?
Kate was last seen on Good Morning Britain on December 8.
She is provisionally scheduled to return full-time later this week, though ITV have offered their full support and said she can take time off as and when.
It is also understood bosses are providing a full duty-of-care package including counselling if needed.
Fans flock to social media to support star
Good Morning Britain viewers have flocked to social media in support of Kate.
One user wrote: “What an incredible woman @kategarraway is. Her love for Derek is so heart-warming and her determination to support and care for him has been incredible, a real love story.”
A second said: “Gorgeous Kate love her.”
When did Derek die?
Derek sadly died on January 5 following a 4 year battle with Covid.
Kate confirmed the news in an Instagram post writing: “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.
“As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.”
‘Perfect time for her to be reunited with her GMB family’
Kate Garraway has told pals she is keen to keep busy and get stuck into work as she continues to mourn Derek.
A source said: “Kate has had an incredibly rough past couple of months, and it has taken its toll mentally and physically.
“But she is a workhorse, and journalism, being on live TV, runs through her blood — it’s what she knows and loves.
“Kate is keen to keep busy and get stuck back into work.
“It’s the perfect time for her to be reunited with her GMB family.”
Kate will speak publicly for the first time since death of Derek
Good Morning Britain released a short trailer yesterday which showed a series of emotional clips.
The voiceover said: “Kate Garraway has shared the story of caring for Derek for the last four years, highlighting the struggle faced by thousands.
“Tomorrow she returns to Good Morning Britain to talk for the first time since the death of her beloved husband. From 6am on Good Morning Britain.”
Kate Garraway to appear on Good Morning Britain shortly
The TV presenter looks set to make an emotional return to the ITV morning show shortly.
Just days after her husband’s funeral, Kate Garraway will return to Good Morning Britain at 8:20am.
She will give a live interview to the show from her home, then rejoin co-host Ben Shephard from Thursday.
