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Kate Garraway: Husband Derek’s illness has put ‘huge pressure’ on Ben Shephard

Derek Draper has been in intensive care for the majority of the year

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Kate Garraway has revealed husband Derek’s coronavirus battle has put “huge pressure” on her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard.

Kate has credited the Tipping Point host with helping to keep her strong while husband Derek Draper has been sick.

Derek, 53, has been hospitalised since March and continues to bravely battle the after-effects of coronavirus.

After taking some time off work, Kate returned earlier in the year and she’s remained strong ever since.

Kate Garraway
Kate Garraway continues to pray for husband Derek’s recovery (Credit: Splash News)

What did Kate say about Ben Shephard?

Viewers have wondered how Kate has kept so level-headed, and now the star has revealed the reason.

Kate says that her close friendship with Ben has been the cornerstone of her year.

Read more: GMB’s Kate Garraway says Coca-Cola Christmas advert is ‘tough watch’ amid husband’s health battle

“For 20 years, Ben has had to do so much for me, but this year has been another level,” she told OK!.

He has been at the end of the phone and trying to do everything that he can to help, it has been a huge pressure on him.

“He has been at the end of the phone and trying to do everything that he can to help, it has been a huge pressure on him.

“It’s a huge thing and I’m very grateful that he has been there and I’m aware how tough it’s been for him,” added the presenter.

Ben Shephard was not on Good Morning Britain today (Credit: Splash News)
Kate says Ben Shephard has been a huge support (Credit: Splash News)

What has Kate Garraway said about husband Derek Draper’s condition?

Last month, Kate offered an update to GMB viewers on her husband’s condition.

The mum of two revealed it had been a difficult week as Derek battled in intensive care.

Read more: GMB viewers threaten to ‘switch off’ as Gemma Collins promotes her Christmas single 

Kate told viewers: “They’ve been unbelievably nice, and it’s been a bit of a tough old week for Derek so I haven’t got back to anybody.

“But it’s so lovely. I am constantly blown away by how lovely you’ve all been through this.”

Kate Garraway
Kate admitted that she’s not looking forward to Christmas (Credit: Splash News)

Dreading Christmas

In October, Kate also revealed that Derek had said his first words in 214 days.

She also told viewers that she was dreading the idea of spending Christmas without her hubby.

The 53 year old said: “I feel physically sick actually.

“I can feel my chest tightening at the thought of it, and the total panic at Darcey, Bill and myself on our own at Christmas unable to visit Derek because of restrictions, and that huge emotional hole.”

She added: “I don’t know how to fill it, without friends and grandparents to fill it.”

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