Kate Garraway given ‘as much time off as she needs’ by ITV after Derek Draper’s tragic death
KATE Garraway has been given ‘as much time off as she needs’ by ITV bosses following husband Derek Draper’s tragic death.
The Good Morning Britain star cancelled all work commitments in the run-up to Christmas after Derek suffered a heart attack.
She kept vigil at his bedside along with their children Darcey, 17, and William, 14, as they prayed for a miracle recovery.
A source told us at the time: “Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.
“Kate has been utterly incredible — by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
It come as…
- Derek’s last photo shows him with the GMB presenter as she received an MBE
- Kate revealed she held her husband’s hand as he died
- Kate’s co-stars including Susanna Reid have led tributes to the dad-of-two
- Derek’s health battles revealed after he suffered heart attack before Christmas
Tragically, Kate announced today that Derek had died in an emotional statement on Instagram.
She wrote: “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.
“I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
Tributes have flooded in for Derek led by Kate’s celebrity pals.
Her Good Morning Britain co-star Susanna Reid said: “Our whole hearts are with you all.”
Sir Elton John wrote: “So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family x”.
While This Morning‘s Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary shared their support for Kate shortly after the announcement was made.
Alison said: We just want to say all of us here at This Morning are sending our love to you Kate and of course [Kate and Derek’s children] Darcy and Billy.”
Derek had suffered devastating health problems after contracting the virus at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
He was placed in an induced coma after contracting the virus and was placed on a ventilator.
Derek later became the nation’s longest suffering Covid patient after spending 13 months in hospital.
Since being discharged in 2021, Derek has been readmitted to hospital on numerous occasions.
He was diagnosed with “life-threatening” sepsis and a kidney infection, which Kate later described as “dramatic but under control”.