Kate Garraway has reflected on the support she’s received from her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard as her husband Derek Draper remains in hospital after falling seriously ill with Covid-19.
The former political lobbyist was placed in an induced coma after being admitted to hospital with coronavirus in March.
Kate, who will present the 1 Million Minutes Awards virtually on December 17 with Ben, says he has been a “phenomenal” friend throughout her challenging year.
“For 20 years, Ben has had to do so much for me,” she said. “In the run up to the jungle, he lived every moment of that with me. But this year has been another level. He has been at the end of the phone and trying to do everything that he can to help.
“To be serious for a minute, it has been a huge pressure on him. Working alongside somebody that you care for and you are worried about, plus also trying to do the job, it’s a huge thing and I am very grateful that he has been there and I am aware how tough it’s been for him... He has been amazing.”
Ben added: “There is not a day when I don’t think about her and what is happening that day and whether I can do something to help her today.
“Kate is so brilliant and professional and we have fun so you sometimes forget the relentless journey that they are on at the moment.
“We all want to know what the outcome is going to be and that is the hardest thing, not knowing.
“It is so, so difficult and her eternal optimism and positivity is something that we can all look at. It is something that I use to inspire me as well.”
Kate has shared regular updates on her husband’s health through social media and on Good Morning Britain since he was admitted to hospital.
Last month, she told of how Derek mouthed the word “pain” as he spoke his first word in eight months, as doctors moved his body while she watched over video call.
The couple - who are both 53 – married in 2005 and have a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son, Darcey and William.
Kate and Ben will be hosting the 1 Million Minutes Awards virtually on December 17. To pledge your support to Good Morning Britain’s 1 Million Minutes Awards go to ITV.com/1MillionMinutes.