Good Morning Britain stars Charlotte Hawkins and Richard Madeley have sent messages of support to presenter Kate Garraway following her husband’s heartbreaking health setback.
Kate, 56, is understood to be holding a vigil by Derek Draper’s bedside and has cancelled all work commitments after suffering a heart attack.
Derek has been seriously ill since contracting coronavirus in March 2020 when the virus was in its inception. He’s required around-the-clock care ever since, and he is said to be fighting for his life in hospital following a heart attack.
His wife is expected to spend Christmas at Derek’s bedside in hospital while she and her children “pray for a miracle”.
Speaking on Monday morning’s show, Charlotte shared: “We wanted to start with an update. You have seen that Derek, Kate’s husband, is sadly very poorly at the moment.
“We want to let Derek, Kate and the whole family know we are thinking of them, and that we’re sending them our very best wishes.”
Richard added: “It is a very difficult time.” Charlotte agreed: “Extremely difficult. Lots of love.”
Last summer, Derek developed sepsis and was rushed to hospital where the condition almost killed him.
Ranvir Singh, who was hosting Monday’s instalment on Lorraine also paid tribute to Kate and Derek, telling viewers: “She’s such a warrior.”
She added: “Derek has taken a turn for the worst since then, our thoughts are with them.”
A source told The Sun following his latest health issue: “It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
“This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.”
They added: “Kate has been utterly incredible – by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
Speaking on the podcast Emotionally Speaking, Kate candidly opened up about what life is like for her family.
“One of the challenges with Derek is we’ve never felt like he is safe, so every infection and rush back to hospital might be the moment he is taken from us.
“We are still hopeful he will improve but we have no clear timeline on this.”
Kate presents Good Morning Britain, Smooth Radio and Kate Garraway’s Life Stories.
Good Morning Britain airs on weekdays between 6am and 9am on ITV and ITVX.