Kate 'Derek is not doing great'

As Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper continues to be badly affected by complications from Covid, the exhausted presenter navigates his multiple setbacks

- Eve Macdonald

When the universe is throwing challenge after challenge at you, the potential impact on your health and wellbeing is huge. That’s the reality Kate Garraway is living with after she issued a worrying update about the health of her husband of 18 years, Derek Draper.

Kate and her family’s world was turned upside down in March 2020 when Derek, 56, became ill with Covid and spent more than a year in hospital, including 10 weeks on a ventilator in intensive care.

During an appearance at the Pride Of Britain Awards earlier this month, the Good Morning Britain presenter admitted, “He’s not doing great, to be honest. But the battle goes on.” Adding that Derek had “hoped to be able to attend with her”, she said she was “keeping her fingers crossed” that he would be by her side in 2024 for Pride Of Britain’s 25th anniversary.

Now, a source has exclusively told new that despite maintaining her brave front, Kate, also 56, is struggling behind the scenes with this latest setback.

“Sadly Derek’s condition means he’ll often go two steps forward but then take a big leap back. There’s no doubt about it, it’s really affecting Kate,” the source said. “She looks tired and has lost a lot of weight because of it. Her friends are really worried about her wellbeing. It’s a tough time that keeps getting tougher. Things are really taking their toll.”