Kate Garraway shares moment husband Derek wakes from coma following ‘longest Covid battle in the UK’

He's been in hospital since last March

Kate Garraway

by Marianna Manson |
Updated on

Good Morning Britain fans will know that for nearly 12 months, regular presenter Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper has been battling the effects of long Covid.

Thought to be the longest surviving Covid patient in the UK, Derek contracted the virus last March, which went on to cause liver, kidney and heart failure and led to a months long coma.

Kate Garraway Derek Draper
Kate, Derek, and their two children ©ITVhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CAdkhmjBiDi/

With ITV airing a documentary tonight about the family’s battle, Finding Derek, a teaser clip ahead of the release shows the emotional moment Kate first spoke to her husband via video link after he woke from his coma.

In the clip, Kate can be seen at home with their two children, Darcy and Billy, as they update an emotional Derek in hospital.

CHECK OUT: who could replace Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain?

Gallery

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacements

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement1 of 9
CREDIT: ITV

Alex Beresford

It would be quite the turn of events if Alex Beresford replaced Piers, given that their on-screen row caused him to storm off set before announcing his departure but that's exactly what some viewers have called for after Alex called out Piers' comments about Meghan Markle.

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement2 of 9
CREDIT: Getty

Jeremy Clarkson

Another of Piers' foes who has been tipped to replace him is Jeremy Clarkson. Jez, who was reportedly once involved in a punch-up with Piers, fuelled the fire last night when he tweeted, "People of America. You sent Piers Morgan back to the UK. Now look what we've sent back to you. Ha. We win."

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement3 of 9
CREDIT: ITV

Gemma Collins

The GC is no stranger to Good Morning Britain, having made a number of viral appearances on the show over the years, and some fans have called for her to get a permanent role now that there's a vacancy on the panel.

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement4 of 9
CREDIT: BBC

Bimini & Tayce

RuPaul's Drag Race UK fans have suggested that queens Bimini and Tayce should replace Piers after impressing as breakfast TV hosts in the Morning Glory challenge a few weeks ago and we're SO here for it, tbh.

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement5 of 9
CREDIT: Getty

Rylan Clark-Neal

After proving his daytime TV chops on This Morning over the years, Rylan's hotly tipped to be in the running to join the GMB panel. He'd definitely bring the fun factor to early mornings.

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement6 of 9
CREDIT: Getty

Trisha Goddard

After her epic takedown of Piers on Good Morning Britain earlier this week, fans have suggested Trisha should replace him alongside Susanna Reid. She ruled daytime TV for years with her morning talk show Trisha so she'd be right at home.

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement7 of 9
CREDIT: Channel 4

Gogglebox's Jenny and Lee

They keep the nation entertained on Friday nights and now a viral tweet has called for Gogglebox "legends" Jenny and Lee to replace Piers on Good Morning Britain. They definitely get our vote.

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement8 of 9
CREDIT: ITV

Ranvir Singh

Ranvir hosted Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid the morning after Piers' departure was announced, although ITV claimed she was always scheduled to appear on the show. She'd make a great permanent replacement though, and we'd love to see two women host the show.

Piers Morgan Good Morning Britain replacement9 of 9
CREDIT: Getty

Richard Bacon

Former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon has been tipped to replace Piers permanently after impressing fans with his temporary stint on the show.

WATCH: Eamonn and Ruth reveal why they argue during the ad breaks | This Morning secrets

“He's back,” says Kate. “We've been waiting a long time to speak to you. I'm so proud of you. I'm so proud of you.”

She also admits she would consider quitting her job on the morning news show, adding, “If I have to give up work to care for him it’s best to do it now. If he needs 24-hour care, I’ll be the primary carer.

“I’ve a fear of the reality. We’ll have to fall in love again a bit.”

READ MORE

Jacqueline Jossa and Dan Osborne set for ‘wedding’ No.2!

Will Wayne Rooney use TV tell-all to help Coleen's court battle?

The best organisation products to channel your inner Stacey Solomon

Back in November, Kate’s friend and colleague Clare Nasir opened up exclusively to Closer about how Kate was coping with Derek’s illness.

“Kate is a warrior and she’ll do what she has to do to get through this. We’ve reported on some of the worst flooding in the UK and she’s the person who’ll wade into the floodwater and say, ‘This is how bad it is’.

“This is someone who isn’t fazed by interviewing the Prime Minister or victims of child abuse, because she can relate to everybody and has the mental capacity to cope. She’s incredibly resilient. Some people would’ve crumbled by now, but this is going to make her stronger.”

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us