Ben Shephard made a promise to concerned Good Morning Britain viewers that he would pass all their kind messages to Kate Garraway as she was forced to miss the show after husband Derek Draper was taken back into hospital.
It's been over two years since former political aide Derek was admitted to hospital with Covid, with him placed in a medically induced coma after his condition took a turn for the worse. Derek remained in a grave condition when the country was at the height of lockdown at the start of the pandemic, meaning Kate and the couple's two children Darcy and Billy were unable to see him.
Derek did manage to pull through, but former I'm a Celebrity contestant Kate was told by medics that he was 'the worst affected' surviving Covid patient in the UK. After more than a year in a hospital bed, Derek was finally allowed to return home in spring 2021, as viewers were left in tears by Finding Derek, Kate's emotional documentary about how the family had coped during an incredibly tough year.
READ MORE: ITV a issue statement over Kate Garraway's absence
Whilst she was delighted to have Derek back, Kate made full and frank admissions that he faced 'a ling road to recovery,' and was still battling with his health. And late on Wednesday afternoon it was revealed that Derek was sadly back in hospital, with a source telling The Sun: "Derek has been taken back to hospital this morning in a very serious condition,” the insider told The Sun.
“The family are very worried about him but Derek is in the best hands."
Kate pulled out of both Good Morning Britain and her Smooth Radio show as a result and, Ben and ITV colleague Charlotte Hawkins wished her well as they hosted GMB on Thursday, with Charlotte explaining Kate had "taken some time out to be with Derek."
And, Ben also assured viewers that he would pass on all of their well wishes to Kate. Looking down the lens, the Tipping Point star said: "Thank you for all those messages, we'll definitely pass them on. You know how much Kate appreciates all the support that she can get.
"And fingers crossed Derek will be home as soon as possible."
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