Kate Garraway has shared a hopeful update about her husband Derek Draper’s recovery from coronavirus, revealing he looked “focused and engaged” as nurses put on Good Morning Britain for him to watch.
Derek has been in hospital since contracting coronavirus in March, and suffered a “tough week” last week, suffering from falls in blood pressure.
However, Kate told GMB viewers on Tuesday that his condition was now stable and that there was an encouraging moment when he watched his wife on the ITV breakfast show.
Speaking to co-host Ben Shephard, Kate said: “He did have a tough week, he had two big falls in blood pressure which were worrying staff, and also a swelling in his legs with the concern that it might be clots. It was very very emotional.
“He has had clots in his lungs… I suppose the concern would be is if it was new clots forming.”
She continued: “He is stable and actually yesterday I spoke to nurses and they said they have put Good Morning Britain on and they felt he looked, because his eyes are open, he looked focused and engaged on it.”
Ben asked: “So he actually watched the programme?” to which Kate jokingly replied: “They didn’t say if [he was watching] me or you.”
She continued: “I found it very emotional. We don’t know if it’s the movement of the light or a familiar voice, but good morning Derek if you are watching, we’re all sending you lots of love... So yeah, your own personal Good Morning Britain.”
Kate added: “It is odd that he seems interested because he’d never really watch me on TV before – or cared – so there’s a big change! But it’s a lovely thought that he’s watching.”
While Derek is now Covid free, he is struggling to recover from the effects of the virus on his body.
Earlier this month, Kate revealed her husband was out of his induced coma, but said he is still “desperately” ill and in a “minimal state of consciousness”, with doctors telling her they’ve never treated anyone so sick.
The presenter had an emotional weekend as her and Derek’s son Bill celebrated his 11th birthday, with Kate’s friend Myleene Klass arranging a sweet surprise to help him enjoy it without his dad.
The couple, who are both 52, married in 2005 and also have a 14-year-old daughter, Darcey.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.