Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper has died (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX)
Kate Garraway has announced that her husband Derek Draper has died at the age of 56, and her friends have shared their condolences.
Posting a photo on Instagram, she wrote: ‘I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.
‘As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
‘Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.’
The Good Morning Britain presenter went on to write: ‘I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
‘Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.’
Kate announced the news on Instagram (Picture: James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Alan Carr wrote on the Instagram post: ‘Oh Kate that’s so awful. Sending you so much love and the deepest condolences.’
Susanna Reid added: ‘Our whole hearts are with you all.’
‘Awful news. You’re in our prayers,’ shared Brian McFadden.
Georgia Toffolo shared: ‘I’m so so sorry Kate. I have such fond memories of Derek while he was waiting for you, while you were in the jungle. I loved the way he spoke of your love story. Thinking of you so much.’
‘So sorry Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love,’ typed Lorraine Kelly.
Lorraine shared a message (Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Another ITV colleague Richard Arnold told Kate: ‘By your side always ❤️.’
Peter Andre took the time to let Kate know that she was in his thoughts.
‘Sorry to hear this Kate. We send all our love. Thoughts with you all ❤️,’ he shared.
Alexandra Burke sent Kate her love: ‘Kate, I’m so sorry..❤️❤️ Sending you all so much love. Keeping you all in my thought’s &prayers. Xxx.’
Prominent New Labour figure Alastair Campbell recalled Draper’s incredible character on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Very sad to hear the news about Derek Draper. He was a huge character, a giver not a taker, and had so much more to give before Covid took its toll. Sad above all for
‘@kategarraway and the children. Their love and support was profound and unshakeable to the end. RIP.’
Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds paid tribute to Draper, following the death of the former lobbyist and prominent New Labour figure.
In a post on X he said: ‘So sad to hear this news this morning.
‘When I was a student at Manchester Derek was still talked about around University of Manchester.
‘When I met him I always found him thoughtful and kind, quite different to his public image at the time.
‘Prayers for him and his family.’
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Rest in peace.