Kate Garraway is to take a leave of absence from her presenting commitments, following the death of her husband Derek Draper.
Former lobbyist and political advisor Derek Draper passed away, having suffered long lasting symptoms from Covid-19. He was 56 years old.
Draper who married Garraway in 2005, was struck down with the virus in March 2020, spending the subsequent 13 months in hospital. After being discharged, Draper suffered huge damage to his organs, needing daily care.
Garraway announced that her husband had passed away via a personal statement shared on her Instagram account.
"I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away", she wrote. "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".
Following this, the PA news agency understands that Kate Garraway will be taking a break from her TV and radio presenting duties, as she grieves for her husband. The presenter does plan to return to her roles in the future.
When the news of Draper's death was announced, several tributes and messages of support were shared on social media.
Taking to Instagram, Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard shared a message of support for Kate Garraway via Instagram, which you can check it out below.
Other presenters who paid tribute include Richard Arnold who hosts the entertainment section of Good Morning Britain, adding, "By your side always".
Good Morning Britain star Susanna Reid also wrote, "Our whole hearts are with you all @kategarraway & Derek's family".
"Our whole hearts are with you all @kategarraway & Derek's family", Charlotte Hawkins added.
Former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan also paid this moving tribute to Derek Draper, describing him as a "brilliantly clever and funny man".
See more tributes below.
So sad that after such a brave struggle Derek Draper has lost his life as a result of Covid. I will remember him as brilliant, creative and multitalented, and our thoughts are with Kate, Darcey and Billy. RIP Derek
— Gordon Brown (@GordonBrown) January 5, 2024
Very sad to hear the news about Derek Draper. He was a huge character, a giver not a taker, and had so much more to give before Covid took its toll. Sad above all for @kategarraway and the children. Their love and support was profound and unshakeable to the end. RIP
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) January 5, 2024
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