ITV has responded to reports Kate Garraway has been forced to 'pull out' of hosting duties on Good Morning Britain. The presenter is usually seen by viewers on the ITV news programme every Thursday and Friday alongside co-host Ben Shephard.
However, those tuning in to the show on Thursday (July 21) will have noticed Kate was missing and Charlotte Hawkins was in her place alongside Ben. It comes after reports the 54-year-old's husband Derek Draper had been taken back to hospital meaning his wife is keen to be by his side.
An ITV spokesperson has told Metro.co.uk that Kate would be off for at least a few days but did not confirm the reason for her absence. They added: "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."
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Earlier this month Kate shared that her husband has spent two months in hospital after confirming that he was back in after his more than year-long stay from 2020 to 2021. The TV star has been open about Derek's recovery after their lives were changed when the former Labour lobbyist contracted Covid.
Derek contracted Covid in March 2020. He was admitted to hospital and later put into an induced coma after the virus 'wreaked havoc' on his body. The dad-of-two suffered a series of health complications, staying in hospital for more than a year where he became the UK's longest-suffering patient of the virus.
In April 2021, Derek was able to return to the family's North London home where he received around-the-clock care. Speaking to The Sun at the Tric awards, which took place at the start of this month, Kate said of her husband: "He's OK, he's back in hospital actually, so that's a development. There we are."
The publication also reported Kate as saying on July 6: "He’s been in hospital a couple of months now. He’s been coming in and out. Hopefully, he’ll come out again. Hopefully tonight. I’m crossing my fingers."
Kate had also told The Sun at the recent awards bash: "I’m really tired but I take it day by day to level out the ups and downs." Kate, 55, also shared that the family experienced an 'emotional' night after Derek missed seeing daughter Darcey, 16, attend her prom. Kate, who also shares 12-year-old son Billy with Derek, added: "I try to embrace life, especially the kids as we’ve had two and a half years of it (Derek’s battle). Their lives have changed and they need to do things.
"I’ve shown Derek pictures of Darcey in her prom dress, and now he can press one button and FaceTime her. It was emotional and strange seeing her all grown up on the night."
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