‘I'M VERY GRATEFUL BEN HAS BEEN THERE'

CLOSE FRIENDS AND GOOD MORNING BRITAIN PRESENTERS KATE GARRAWAYAND BEN SHEPHARD TALK TO OK! ABOUT GETTING THROUGH 2020 AND CHEERING ON PAL RANVIR SINGH ON STRICTLY COME DANCING

- KIRSTY HATCHER

Few people have supported Kate Garraway quite like her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard. In a true sign of their 20-year friendship, Ben has been by Kate’s side every step of the way following her husband Derek Draper’s hospitalisation in March after contracting coronavirus.

“I genuinely can’t explain my pride, admiration and love for what Kate has been through,” says proud Ben, who has sons Jack, 15, and Sam, 13, with his wife Annie.

The presenters have once again teamed up to host GMB’s annual 1 Million Minutes Awards, which campaign to end loneliness and urge Brits to pledge their time and volunteer to help others.

The awards will no doubt feel even more poignant this year after what Kate, who has daughter Darcey, 14, and son Billy, 11, with Derek, describes as a “horrendous” 2020.

Here, Kate, 53, and co-star Ben, who turns 46 this week, open up about missed moments and spending Christmas together…

How has your friendship with Ben helped you through this year, Kate?