Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper has died at the age of 56 following several years of health issues after contracting coronavirus in 2020.
The GMB presenter announced the news on Instagram in a lengthy post.
Garraway said: “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.” (sic)
Several of Garraway’s followers, friends and colleagues sent tributes of their own after seeing Garraway’s announcement.
Her Good Morning Britain colleague Susanna Reid replied: “Our whole hearts are with you all,” followed by a love heart emoji.
WATCH HERE: Pip Thomson fights tears as she emotionally announces death of Derek Draper
While comedian Alan Carr added: “Oh Kate that’s so awful. Sending you so much love and the deepest condolences,” again followed by a love heart emoji.
Former Countdown star Carol Vorderman said: “Oh no Kate. I’m so very very sorry. Sending you and your beautiful family the deepest condolences,” followed by a heartbroken emoji.
And Made in Chelsea’s Georgia Toffolo echoed: “I’m so so sorry Kate. I have such fond memories of Derek while he was waiting for you, while you were in the jungle. I loved the way he spoke of your love story. Thinking of you so much. X.”
GB News presenter Pip Thomson worked with Garraway during her time at ITV and emotionally broke the news to viewers on the People’s Channel.
Struggling to hold back tears, Pip said: “Just want to bring you some incredibly sad breaking news that we’ve heard in the last few minutes.
“The husband of the ITV presenter Kate Garraway – I’m sorry, I worked with Kate for a long time so this is really difficult, such a strong woman – her husband Derek Draper who has been in a very serious condition after suffering Covid, he has passed away. Derek Draper, the husband of Kate Garraway has died,” Pip added as she tried to keep her composure.
Kate Garraway won an NTA for her family’s documentary about Derek’s battle with Covid, titled Finding Derek
GETTY
Pip went on to laud Garraway for her strength and resilience during her husband’s health battles, revealing she’d often show up to work on GMB with little to no sleep.
Draper was put into a coma in April 2020 after initially being diagnosed with Covid and he did not wake from it until October that year.
Despite being Covid-free, his body had undergone significant damage in the months and years after, suffering a reported heart attack shortly before Christmas.
Garraway has been absent from on-screen presenting duties since early December.
