KATE Garraway fought back tears as she made an emotional return to TV and revealed why she is returning to work so soon.
The presenter, 56, returned to Good Morning Britain on Monday just three days after the funeral of her beloved Derek Draper.
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Kate appeared on GMB this morning for a candid interview ahead of her return to presenting on Thursday
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The presenter was extremely emotional as she talked about her late husband just three days after his funeral
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Kate, pictured with her children Darcey, 17, and Billy, 14, returns to Good Morning Britain just days after her husband’s funeralCredit: Alamy
Kate will return to her presenting role on GMB alongside Ben Shephard on Thursday – after a two-month break.
She was last seen on GMB on December 8 before taking time off to care for Derek following his deterioration.
Unfortunately, he died less than a month later, on January 3rd.
A brave widow has revealed that she will return to our screens after the tragedy because “life must begin” anew.
Holding back her tears, she said, “I don’t know how it will be. Grief cannot be contained in a day or a year.
“People ask me why I’m going back to work. Life has to start. We have to pick ourselves up and move on.
“That’s what Derek would have wanted me to do. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
She also revealed that son Billy is going back to school today.
“We have to pull ourselves together, that’s what Derek did and he would have us do,” she added.
“The grieving will continue. We’re at rock bottom. Anyone who’s been through it will know. We’ve got a long way to go.”
Speaking live from her family home, surrounded by flowers and Legos, Kate thanked everyone for their support – including a “beautiful” book of condolences.
She boldly said, “Welcome to my home, Lego and chaos and all.”
Kate Garraway dances with the late Derek Draper in a heartbreaking video shared by her friend after the star buried her husband
“I’m happy to have you all.
“I’m not sure I did that well. I relied on everyone else like we all do.
“I think I owe everyone a huge debt.”
Speaking about Derek’s four-year battle, Kate said it was important he didn’t feel like he had let his family down.
She said: “Derek’s spirit and fight to carry on, as well as the children, was outstanding throughout.
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Derek Draper died on January 3 after a three-year battle with Covid
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The trailer offered the first glimpse of her emotional return to Good Morning Britain
“It feels like five years and two minutes since Derek was in a positive place before the cardiac arrest that took him from us.
“It was as far from the specter of death as we could be.
“It was a challenge to make sure he knew he wasn’t letting us down because he couldn’t get through this last one.
“They were so beautiful, the children about it.
“Darcey said ‘If you can’t do this, that’s okay, don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. Don’t worry about mom. We’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about taking care of all of us. You’ll live on through our’.
Dad left
Kate Garraway
“He’s out of pain and he deserves it.”
Kate went on to recall Derek’s final moments in a moving interview.
She said: “I was with Derek when they said they didn’t think he would last a day.
“I told the kids the facts and said you have questions. The first thing Darcey said was ‘How are you mum?’
“I said ‘Gee, that’s a good question, thanks for asking’.”
Weeping, she added: “I said ‘Dad’s gone’. Billy said ‘I’m so sorry mum’.
“They really took on a caring role. I’m so proud of them for that.”
Presenter Richard Madeley said ahead of her return: “We will be joined by our friend and colleague Kate Garraway who will be speaking here for the first time since the death of her beloved husband Derek.
“About everything that happened in the last month and how much strength she got from all your kind messages of support, which we put in the book of mourning for her.”
The trailer for Garraway’s return released yesterday features a series of clips of her and Derek together.
A voiceover said: “Kate Garraway has shared the story of caring for Derek over the past four years, highlighting the struggle thousands face.
“She returns to Good Morning Britain tomorrow to speak for the first time since the death of her beloved husband. From 6am on Good Morning Britain.”
A heartbroken Kate has told friends she wants to be busy and stuck at work as she continues to mourn Derek.
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.
“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.
RETURN TO WORK
“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.”
Derek Draper’s funeral, which was attended by figures including former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, musician Sir Elton John and Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer, was held on Friday at the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Primrose Hill, north-west London.
Former political lobbyist turned psychologist Draper married the GMB leader in the same church in September 2005.
Draper became seriously ill during the early part of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 and spent 13 months in hospital before being discharged.
He died on January 3 at the age of 56 after suffering long-term symptoms from the coronavirus.
Now a grieving Garraway has returned to TV – to discuss her husband’s final weeks as well as his funeral.
She is due to return to host the show alongside Ben Shephard from Thursday.
Last night GMB posted on X: “Kate Garraway shared the story of caring for Derek over the past four years, highlighting the struggle thousands face.
“She returns to Good Morning Britain tomorrow to speak for the first time since the death of her beloved husband.”
Despite her being scheduled to return full-time, ITV offered its full support and said she could take time off whenever.
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Kate Garraway at her husband Derek’s funeral earlier this weekCredit: Cover images
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