Kate Garraway's ITV co-stars have shown their support for the presenter after she 'pulled out' of hosting duties on Good Morning Britain. The 55-year-old usually hosts the news show every Thursday and Friday alongside Ben Shephard but on Thursday (July 21) she was replaced by Charlotte Hawkins.
It comes after reports Kate'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 that she'll be back "as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, Kate's GMB co-stars were quick to address Kate's absence and send their own messages. Ben said: "We are missing a member of the team, aren’t we?" to which Charlotte replied: "We are yes." She then continued: "So Kate’s not here. She’s taking some time out to be with Derek at the moment so we’re sending her lots of love.
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"Lots of you have been in touch with messages of support, so we wish him well." Ben also said: "Thank you for those messages, we’ll definitely pass them on. You know how much Kate appreciates all the support that she gets and fingers crossed Derek will be home as soon as possible."
During her own self-titled show, Lorraine Kelly also spoke of Kate alongside Dr Hilary Jones. "All of our love to our Kate, I know a lot of you have seen in the newspapers and online that Derek is back in hospital," the Scottish TV star said. "Obviously, he is dealing with the after-effects of Covid..."
Dr Hilary commented: "It's a difficult situation. She is doing her best to juggle everything, and she's amazing. She is thinking about other people in similar situations. Lots of love, Kate." Lorraine echoed: "Absolutely."
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
Kate hasn't addressed her current situation but did return to social media on Thursday morning to share her support for her ITV co-star. Taking to Twitter, the TV and radio host took the time to congratulate her GMB co-star Dr Amir Khan as he shared a photo of himself being offered an honorary doctorate in health from the University of Bradford.
Sharing a photo in a graduation robe and mortarboard, Dr Amir wrote: "Okay so this is exciting, I’ve been awarded an honorary doctorate in health from University of Bradford for services to health education and the work I’ve done with the students!" Kate retweeted his post and wrote: "Amazing and well deserved x". Her followers were soon replying with congratulatory message to Amir as well as sending their own well wishes to Kate.
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