ITV has issued a statement after it was confirmed that Kate Garraway would be taking a break from presenting Good Morning Britain. It comes as Kate's husband Derek Draper returns to hospital.
After catching coronavirus back in March 2020, Derek spent 13 months in hospital, becoming the longest suffering Covid patient in the UK. He was allowed to return home to Kate and their two children in April last year, but still receives round-the-clock care.
However the 54-year-old former lobbyist is now back in hospital and receiving specialist care, according to reports. Speaking to The Sun, a source explained: “Derek has been taken back to hospital this morning in a very serious condition. The family are very worried about him but Derek is in the best hands.
READ MORE: Love Island's Jay Younger makes cryptic post about Luca's 'true feelings' for Tasha
“Kate is by his side and is keeping it together as best she can. She’s a total professional and devoted to her work – both on Good Morning Britain and Smooth - but she had no choice but to step away this week to be there with him. This is an incredibly difficult time for her and their family.”
An ITV spokesperson also told Metro that Kate would be off for at least a few days. They said: "Kate is taking some time off work over the next few days, and is hoping to be back to her normal presenting duties as soon as possible."
In addition to co-hosting GMB with fellow presenters Adil Ray, Susanna Reid, Ranvir Singh, Charlotte Hawkins and Ben Shephard, Kate also hosts ITV's Life Stories after taking over the long-running interview series from Piers Morgan last year. So far, she has interviewed the likes of Nadiya Hussain and John Barnes, and will return for a second series, ITV recently confirmed.
READ NEXT:
Netflix loses almost one million subscribers amid tougher competition and soaring inflation
Inflation rises again to hit highest rate in more than 40 years
More strikes loom as Royal Mail workers vote in favour of walkouts over pay and jobs row
- 12 people have died in water accidents since UK temperatures rose