BRAVE Kate Garraway returns to TV screens tomorrow — just three days after husband Derek Draper’s funeral.
The Good Morning Britain star, 56, will be interviewed live on the show from her home, then join co-host Ben Shephard from Thursday.
7
Kate Garraway returns to Good Morning Britain just days after her husband’s funeralCredit: PA
7
Derek Draper passed away on January 3 after a three-year battle with CovidCredit: Rex
7
Tomorrow, Kate will give an emotional interview to GMB from her homeCredit: ITV
A heartbroken Kate has told friends she wants to be busy and stuck at work as she continues to mourn Derek.
ITV will follow her return tonight.
Mum-of-two Kate also told Smooth FM bosses she wants to host her popular morning radio show there.
A source said: “Kate has had an incredibly difficult past few months and it has taken a mental and physical toll.
READ MORE ON KATE GARRAWAY
“But she’s a workhorse, and journalism, being on live television, runs through her blood – it’s what she knows and loves.
“Kate wants to be employed and go back to work.
“The time is perfect for him to be reunited with his GMB family.
“Everyone at GMB has been incredibly supportive and are desperate to support her and welcome her back into the family.
“They are excited that she is back after such a long absence.
“After nearly four years of taking care of Derek and her family, Kate has to get back to normal. And he wants to throw himself back into work, 3.45am start and all.
“It also goes without saying that, in fact, being a full-time carer for Derek has also had a huge impact on her financial situation.
“She simply has to work to provide for their children and restore stability to their lives.
“It’s not a decision she’s taken lightly, but she’s genuinely excited to be back in the studio.
“She knows she has to do her best, and now seems as good a time as any.”
Kate was last seen on GMB on December 8.
He is tentatively scheduled to return full-time, although ITV have offered their full support and said he can take time off as and when.
7
Kate’s daughter Darcey was one of the pallbearers at Derek’s funeral on Friday
7
Kate’s return is due to be covered by ITV this evening – pictured here with co-host Ben Shephard Credit: Rex
It is also understood that bosses provide a full package of duties, including counseling if necessary.
The source added: “Kate’s well-being is everyone’s main concern.” Derek flew to Mexico the week of December 8 for specialist treatment for long-term Covid.
While there, he suffered a devastating cardiac arrest and Kate was forced to tell ITV presenters that she needed indefinite time off.
She flew to Mexico to be at his bedside, only informing close family and friends of his condition.
Tomorrow, Kate will be live on air to speak for the first time about her husband’s brave final battle and discuss his funeral, which was attended by a host of politicians and celebrity friends of the couple.
Kate fought back tears at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Primrose Hill, north London – where the couple married in 2005.
The priest who married the couple gave a reading during the two-hour Catholic ceremony.
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, a political adviser to Derek’s former boss, gave a speech.
Sir Elton John sang Skyline Pigeon, with lyrics including “Turn me loose from your hands/Let me fly to distant lands”.
Kate’s GMB co-stars past and present, including Ben, Richard Madeley, Piers Morgan — now on TalkTV — Charlotte Hawkins and Susanna Reid attended to support their popular colleague.
The couple’s children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14, laid flowers saying “we love you dad” and Darcey was one of the pallbearers.
Last summer brave Kate was awarded an MBE for her services to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
The presenter, who always promised that she would “never give up” on Derek, produced two award-winning documentaries about the psychotherapist’s fight with the coronavirus.
She has been widely praised by carers’ groups and charities for raising awareness of the plight of those caring for families with difficult conditions.
Kate, who survived on four hours of sleep caring for Derek, endured her own secret health battle last year when she was rushed to the emergency room at 4.30am.
She had collapsed and doctors warned her that she might be suffering from stress-induced angina. Kate has also spent the last few years struggling to provide for her family.
Reports have suggested she may be forced to sell her home which has been adapted for Derek’s recovery.
And last year she received a tax bill of £716,000.
The couple had to close Derek’s psychotherapy business because he was unable to work.
In addition, Kate is thought to have racked up medical bills totaling nearly £1 million, refusing to limit herself to Derek’s healthcare.
She was devastated when he died on January 3rd.
Kate wrote: “Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand during his last long hours and when he passed away.
“I have a lot more to say and I will in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and make his last moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
“Sending so much love and gratitude to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support.
“Rest gently and peacefully Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”
Derek was among the first in the UK to become seriously ill with the coronavirus in March 2020 and was admitted to the intensive care unit and put on a ventilator.
He spent 13 months in hospitals, becoming Britain’s longest-suffering patient.
7
Kate and Derek have two children, Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14Credit: Alamy
7
Kate was last seen on GMB on 8th December Credit: Rex
He always does his best
FOUR years ago, Kate Garraway had it all — a happy, devoted family, fame, fortune and a wildly successful freelance career.
When her husband Derek, the love of her life, fell ill with the coronavirus on March 3, 2020, her world turned upside down overnight.
Connected to tubes, drips and a ventilator, Derek became the nation’s unwitting guinea pig in the fight against this vicious disease.
Kate, in turn, became a spokeswoman for the UK — updating viewers, listeners and readers of her books on its progress.
In doing so, she became a beacon in a period of unprecedented darkness.
Her strength in dealing with the ultimate worst-case scenario came when the rest of us were in freefall—restricted to an hour of daily exercise, forbidden from socializing, hibernating behind masks, and fearing for high-risk relatives.
Kate and Derek’s predicament has become our worst nightmare.
Most would shrivel up and give up.
No Kate.
She put on make-up on TV – when make-up artists weren’t allowed into TV studios – and flashed a smile.
Showing true British courage, Kate continued.
And it goes and goes.
Working all the hours God gave, she was a full-time carer, homemaker, TV presenter and Covid poster girl.
The latter is an epithet that no one would wish for.
Day after day she walked to work, did her job and never, ever complained.
Behind the scenes, of course, there were endless tears – grief over the once larger man visibly shrinking next to her.
And, more pragmatically, there were worries about money.
As Derek’s medical expenses mounted, Kate continued to fight – to fight for those without a voice, those who couldn’t afford the level of care her stellar 25-year career had afforded her.
Friends say she refuses to put a figure on how much she invested in making Derek fight day in and day out so she wouldn’t be seen as a “whiner”.
The fact that she is returning to work, a few days after saying goodbye, is proof of her determination, confidence and realism.
Kate, we’re all rooting for you.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education