Emotional Kate Garraway returns to GMB for fiery debate after heartbreaking doc about late husband Derek Draper
KATE Garraway made a emboldened return to Good Morning Britain after the emotional documentary on her late husband Derek Draper’s death aired this week.
It was business as usual for the brave ITV anchor, 56, who chose a bright pink blouse to add cheer to her early-morning start.
Yet in fact it was a difficult Good Morning Britain comeback in her role as newsreader, as she locked horns during a debate on social care.
Kate had tears in her eyes as she chatted with former Tory MP Lord Ed Vaizey, 55, on the impact of her documentary – which Derek, 56, was eager to create before his death.
Mum of two Kate sees it as her mission to “raise awareness” of the lack of funding and struggles in the social care sector.
Ex political lobbyist Derek died in January following a heart attack after his health was left devastated by Covid.
Kate paid her last respects at Derek’s funeral last month, during which she made a touching tribute to her late spouse.
Her spouse’s final documentary, Finding Derek, captured his last days including his painful battle to stand unaided.
Kate took issue with Ed’s description of “wealthy people” being able to afford care and that they “would have to contribute.”
Kate said: “When you say wealthy people – and this is where it gets confusing and I don’t want to bore people – we talk aboiut social care and that’s one element.
“We talk about continuing care which is NHS thing based on need and social care which is means tested.
“We think of it under the same bracket – and that’s what causes problems,” before gesturing towards Ed.
Her comments came after Kate told she “doesn’t get paid enough” as she still faces debts of up to £800K for her late spouse’s care.
After giving her take to the panel, Kate said: “I want to say thank you for incredible kindness and that gives me hope for what I historically think has been an insolvable problem.
“To have that much feeling from people when they are touched by it that something can be done.
“It’s also raised a lot of questions, a lot of anger, a lot of fury.
“A social worker wrote to me and said ‘I am furious about this situation because I can’t do anything about it.'”
She added: “It’s people just now saying ‘we have to do something.'”
Brave comeback
Kate announced her return to GMB in a video posted to her Instagram page.
Taken in her living room, she told how there was “an incredible strength and will and kindness” to do good from everyone who had got in touch following Tuesday’s show, aired on ITV.
She said this came despite the “heartbreaking” stories she had learned.
In her caption, she wrote: “A #thankyou & a heartfelt promise from me. Sleep well & see you in the morning on @gmb.”
Her close pal Myleene Klass wrote: “You did him and your family proud. x”
Kate’s GMB co-star Richard Arnold added: “We’re right here,” followed by a love heart.
A fan then added: “Just finished watching the program and I’m so deeply touched by your devotion and commitment to him. How you’ve juggled so many things for over 3 years is beyond me. Keep fighting for your cause Kate.”
One wrote: “It was so strange to see Derek looking and sounding better knowing the outcome, he tried so hard to stay with you RIP.”
Derek’s struggle
Derek died on January 3 from complications of long Covid.
The Lobbyist-turned-psychologist was one of the UK‘s longest suffering patients of Covid.
After his diagnosis he battled a variety of health problems when the virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and damage to his liver and pancreas.
He required round-the-clock help from care workers, as well as physio and speech therapists.
The care costs – yet dogged Kate said she has “no regrets” about forking out, despite the huge economic impacts for her family.
Derek’s Story
The ITV show, aired this week, captures the final year of the dad-of-two’s life.
It showcases his frustration as he tries to regain his mobility.
But after Derek made the first attempt at standing, he fell back into the chair and began to wail.
Kate comforted him and said: “It’s OK, darling – it is OK, I promise.”
Derek responded: “It’s pathetic.”
Kate continued: “It’s not pathetic, it isn’t pathetic. You are absolutely trying.”
Derek attempted to stand two further times, as Kate added more encouragement: “You can take a breath, but keep going. You’re there. Well done! Keep going.”
But he failed to make the move, leaving him upset.
Kate is also seen chatting to Derek about the subject of his documentary, before she asked the fateful question: “Where is this going to end?”