Kate Garraway and husband Derek Draper are on the thoughts of Good Morning Britain viewers as his health deteriorates more.
The 56-year-old presenter has been absent from the programme as she raced to Derek’s side in hospital, where he is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack.
She is claimed to have stopped all TV and radio activities in order to stand vigil 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since he fell unwell last Monday.
Derek, 56, has been critically unwell since getting Covid in 2020, suffering from a variety of long-term effects in a unique extreme case of chronic Covid.
On today’s GMB programme, Charlotte Hawkins took Kate’s spot as she told viewers: ‘We wanted to start with an update. You have seen that Derek, Kate’s husband, is sadly very poorly at the moment.
‘We want to let Derek, Kate and the whole family know we are thinking of them, and that we’re sending them our very best wishes’
Solemnly, her co-anchor Richard Madeley added: ‘It is a very difficult time’.
‘Extremely difficult. Lots of love,’ agreed Charlotte as they moved onto the news, giving no more insight into the state of Derek’s health.
The public has been gripped by the former Labour party lobbyist’s battle, rallying behind Kate as she unexpectedly takes time away from projects to support him.
Derek spent 13 months in hospital after being into a coma and being put on a ventilator in 2020, making him the UK’s longest-suffering coronavirus patient.
He has since suffered with a number of health issues as a result of the infection, which caused brain inflammation, renal failure, and liver and pancreatic damage.
This sudden turn allegedly surprised the family because he had been doing well and had plans for Christmas at home.
A source has told The Sun: ‘Everyone is praying for a miracle. Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.’
They continued: ‘Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.’
Kate’s spokesperson confirmed his hospital admittance and added: ‘They added: ‘He is a fighter and we are all praying for him to win this latest battle.’
