We're adjusting to a new normal'

GMB presenters Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard talk about Christmas plans, their sibling-like friendship and life after Kate's husband Derek's Covid recovery

-  LAUREN MORRIS

Twinkling diamonds, a Chanel bag or the latest Louboutins are some of the most covetable Christmas gifts, but for Kate Garraway there is just one thing she wants this festive season — a breakthrough for her Covid-stricken husband Derek Draper. With her display of compassion, care and loyalty, Kate has won the hearts of the nation as she has candidly shared Derek’s heartbreaking health battles since he contracted Covid in March 2020.

Derek, 56, a onetime Labour spin doctor-turnedpsychotherapist, spent over a year in hospital fighting for his life. Somehow, he survived, but his recovery and rehabilitation is ongoing and he requires round-the-clock care.

Through it all, Kate, 56, has not only been there for their children, Darcey, 17, and William, 14, but she’s continued to bring her unique brand of sunshine to Good Morning Britain and taken on new challenges — including stepping into Piers Morgan’s shoes on primetime ITV1 chat show Life Stories.

Now she’s preparing to host Christmas for the Garraway and Draper clans, so that Derek can enjoy the celebrations in his own home, surrounded by friends and family after his latest spell in hospital ends.

“Derek’s in hospital having some treatment,” Kate tells OK!. “It’s not an emergency thing, it’s not a dramatic rush back into intensive care, thank goodness. It’s something that started last year that we hope will lead to improvement.

“I’ve managed to get it in before the end of the year. It’s something we were trying to do in the summer, but there are referrals and time and all of those things.”