Good Morning Britain: Emotional Kate Garraway gives return date after husband's funeral

The ITV star made her first TV appearance on Monday following husband Derek Draper's death last month
Lisa McLoughlin 5 February 2024
The Weekender

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Kate Garraway has confirmed that she will return to Good Morning Britain this week following the death of her husband Derek Draper.

The funeral of Draper, which was attended by figures including former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, musician Sir Elton John and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, was held last Friday at the Church of St Mary The Virgin in Primrose Hill, north-west London.

Draper fell seriously ill during the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital before he was discharged. He died on January 3 aged 56 holding Garraway's hand after suffering long-lasting symptoms from coronavirus.

Making her first TV appearance following her husband's death last month, Garraway revealed that she will be back in the GMB studio on Thursday alongside Ben Shephard and asked viewers to have “patience” with her as she settles back into work following her personal tragic.

Of going back to the studio, she said: "We have to pick ourselves up and go on and that’s what Derek did, and would want me to do. Thank you to everybody that’s made it possible."

Before adding: “I'm going to be looking forward to a blow dry. I'm going to be finding fake eyelashes. I'm going to be very much looking forward to applying the fake tan. Don't worry, I will be a little bit more respectable by Thursday.

Garraway, pictured with Derek Draper and her parents Gordon and Marilyn Garraway in November (Andrew Matthews/PA)
PA Archive

“I'll be doing a lot of homework between now and then because I feel like I've been in a very small bubble so I'm going to look forward really to coming into the world and sharing what's going on for everybody else. Connecting with everybody again.

“So, thank you for having me back and have a little bit of patience. I might be a bit rusty.”

During her first TV appearance following Draper's death last month, Garraway tearfully opened up to colleagues Richard Madeley and Susanna Reid from her home about his passing, thanking viewers for their support.

"Do you know what, they arrived with this this morning, it’s amazing. This is from you, beautifully done, thank you," she said of all the gifts she’s received.

"I’ve also got three baskets of messages, cards from viewers, from crew. I’m sure you picked out many of them in here. It’s just amazing and it feels like my emotions are at 110%.

"The unbelievable love that we all have as a GMB family, and ITV generally. I think we are lucky."

Following her appearance on GMB, viewers was inundated social media with messages of support as Garraway opened up about her grief and final moments with her husband.

One fan penned on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Kate Garraway's interview on #GMB has broken me this morning. What strength and grace.

"Constantly thanking others, recognising her privilege, and glossing over all that she did for Derek and her family. Sadly, parts of her story will resonate with so many."

"So moving to listen to Kate Garraway this morning, especially her speaking out for carers. Caring can be so lonely, even when there are others around. Very emotional, how brave she and her family are," another commented.

A third added: "My emotions have been pulled in all directions, watching this truly moving interview.

"I have great praise and admiration for Kate Garraway's strength and utter resilience throughout her journey and always finding the time to put others before herself."

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