Kate Garraway’s GMB co-host Ben Shephard praises star amid husband Derek Draper’s Covid recovery

Ben Shephard praised his Good Morning Britain co-star Kate Garraway for her ‘positivity’ in her emotional documentary Finding Derek.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, filmed every step of her husband Derek Draper’s year long battle with COVID-19 following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness in March 2020 with the programme aired on Tuesday.   

In one moving scene filmed in August 2020, Kate returned to her presenting work and the Good Morning Britain studios.       

Sweet: Ben Shephard praised his Good Morning Britain co-star Kate Garraway for her ‘positivity’ in her emotional documentary Finding Derek 

Kate was reunited with her co-host Ben, 46, as he praised her for her ‘positivity’ but admitted he was scared that she could ‘crash’ at some point in the future.

Ben said: ‘Our relationship goes back 20 years when we first started working together at GMTV and we have been through everything together.’

He continued: ‘Kate is brilliant at sharing what she is going through, she has always been really aware that people could very easily think she’s looking for sympathy, that she’s looking for support, she’s not at all. 

‘It’s not just her going through this. But if her voice can represent some of those families that can’t be heard like she can be heard, hopefully it can make a huge difference down the line.’

Emotional: The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, filmed every step of her husband Derek Draper's year long battle with COVID-19 following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness in March 2020 with the programme aired on Tuesday (pictured in 2019)

Emotional: The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, filmed every step of her husband Derek Draper’s year long battle with COVID-19 following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness in March 2020 with the programme aired on Tuesday (pictured in 2019)  

Return: In one moving scene filmed in August 2020, Kate returned to her presenting work and the Good Morning Britain studios where Ben praised her for her 'positivity' but admitted he was scared that she could 'crash' at some point in the future

Return: In one moving scene filmed in August 2020, Kate returned to her presenting work and the Good Morning Britain studios where Ben praised her for her ‘positivity’ but admitted he was scared that she could ‘crash’ at some point in the future 

‘It’s testament to who she is, her strength of character, positivity, her brilliance she has got this far and managed it so well. 

‘I just keep thinking at some point there’s going to be a huge crash, that at some point, maybe, hopefully… we have a big move in how Derek is with his recovery or Derek comes home. It’s going to hit her, what she has been through.’

After the documentary was aired, Ben took to Twitter to share a sweet message for his co-star alongside a lovely photo.

He tweeted: ‘So proud of my friend @kategarraway she continues to surprise, delight, occasionally infuriate but always inspire me. 

Way back when: Ben said: 'Our relationship goes back 20 years when we first started working together at GMTV and we have been through everything together.'

Way back when: Ben said: ‘Our relationship goes back 20 years when we first started working together at GMTV and we have been through everything together.’

Praise: He continued: 'Kate is brilliant at sharing what she is going through, she has always been really aware that people could very easily think she's looking for sympathy, that she's looking for support, she's not at all.'

Praise: He continued: ‘Kate is brilliant at sharing what she is going through, she has always been really aware that people could very easily think she’s looking for sympathy, that she’s looking for support, she’s not at all.’ 

‘Thinking of Kate, her family and anyone who is battling Covid or has lost someone close to them to the virus. #FindingDerek.’ 

Kate previously praised her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben in December for his ‘phenomenal’ friendship.   

The presenter said that the ITV star has been ‘trying to do everything he can to help’.

Kate also noted that she is aware if ‘how tough’ it has been for Ben and that his support over the last year has been ‘another level’.

Lovely: After the documentary was aired, Ben took to Twitter to share a sweet message for his co-star alongside a lovely photo

Lovely: After the documentary was aired, Ben took to Twitter to share a sweet message for his co-star alongside a lovely photo

Presenting duo: Kate previously praised her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben in December for his 'phenomenal' friendship

Presenting duo: Kate previously praised her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben in December for his ‘phenomenal’ friendship

According to the Mirror, Kate said of Ben’s support: ‘For 20 years, Ben’s had to do so much for me but this year’s been another level. He’s been trying to do everything he can to help – it’s been a huge pressure on him.

‘Working alongside somebody you’re worried about, plus also trying to do the job… it’s a huge thing. I’m aware how tough it’s been for him.’

Ben also sweetly praised Kate for her strength during Derek’s battle and said: ‘Her eternal positivity is something we can all look at. There’s not a moment where that admiration tarnishes.’  

It comes after Kate discussed her new documentary on Good Morning Britain ahead of its airing on Tuesday evening, where she admitted it was important for her to remain upbeat for the sake of her husband. 

She said: ‘The footage you see was recorded by me personally. After six months we got an iPad into the hospital with the idea of bringing him out so I could talk to him while he was in the coma and have some sort of voice recognition. 

Emotional: During the emotional documentary, Kate admitted that she might have to 'fall in love again' with Derek while she later comforted her sobbing husband who said he wanted to 'die' in heartbreaking scenes

Emotional: During the emotional documentary, Kate admitted that she might have to ‘fall in love again’ with Derek while she later comforted her sobbing husband who said he wanted to ‘die’ in heartbreaking scenes 

‘It was so emotional for me. It was all I could do not to fall apart, and give him a positive energy, not a sad energy.’ 

She added: ‘The moments you see are the moments where he is getting more conscious and can react.

‘Also Derek has devoted his life to mental health since leaving politics because he’s a psychotherapist, so I feel that he would want his journey to be told. He would like to be here telling it with me. ‘ 

Reflecting on her decision to film the documentary, Kate admitted she wanted to use her platform as a presenter to help those who have been most affected by the virus, which has so far killed 126, 172 people across the United Kingdom.

She said: ‘First of all I do have a job that puts me on the TV and radio and there were many months where I was locked in that bubble that we all have been in because of COVID restrictions and that was a very private time.

Battle: The Good Morning Britain presenter filmed every step of Derek's, pictured, year long battle with COVID-19 following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness in March 2020 with the fly-on-the-wall programme aired on Tuesday

Battle: The Good Morning Britain presenter filmed every step of Derek’s, pictured, year long battle with COVID-19 following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness in March 2020 with the fly-on-the-wall programme aired on Tuesday 

‘When I got back to work I was moved by people’s reactions. I was contacted by people who said you’re talking about what I’m going through and it’s so great to hear.

‘Not just with COVID but with other long term situations that they are facing with potentially a life loss at the end of it. So this story, I thought I have a chance to tell it where they don’t.’

The presenter also reiterated that she will not walk away from her day job in order to provide round the clock care for Derek when he is released from hospital.

She said: ‘I’m not going anywhere! In fact the reality is, is that ITV and Global and Smooth radio, everybody has been so supportive and to be honest being here has kept me sane. 

‘Not just because you’re all amazing supporters but people at home are so supportive and it’s a slice of normal, it’s a slice of life before. 

Reflective: During the documentary, Kate reflected upon an uncertain future with Derek, 53, as she admitted: 'There's been times where I've thought: "Am I actually grieving for the person I'm married to or am I fighting to hold onto that person?"' (pictured during their wedding in 2005)

Reflective: During the documentary, Kate reflected upon an uncertain future with Derek, 53, as she admitted: ‘There’s been times where I’ve thought: “Am I actually grieving for the person I’m married to or am I fighting to hold onto that person?”‘ (pictured during their wedding in 2005) 

‘The truth is as much as I like to think I have all the answers sometimes, Derek doesn’t need me, I’m not the person to care for him. I will obviously be there completely, 100% if that would make a difference.

‘But actually what Derek needs is specialist, professional, medical support ongoing because there is a good chance he can improve but we need to make sure that support is there now for that to happen.

‘Whether that be remaining in hospital or whether that be something else – I would like to be home – but it is not just a case of you know I would want to sit there and hold his hand but people in this situation need expertise and I’m not an expert.’ 

Despite radical changes to his physical appearance, Kate admitted those who know Lancashire born Derek will be able to see that his personality is still very much present. 

Heartbreaking: The documentary, filmed at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, focused on Derek's plight after falling gravely ill with the virus and Kate's desperate battle to care for her husband while planning for an uncertain future

Heartbreaking: The documentary, filmed at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, focused on Derek’s plight after falling gravely ill with the virus and Kate’s desperate battle to care for her husband while planning for an uncertain future

She said: ‘There are moments where I think people who know Derek will know he’s there, and for a while that was part of the horror… is he still there? 

‘There’s even some Chorley in there. Even COVID can’t take Chorley out of the man!’ 

Kate also praised the couple’s children for their ability to cope with the unexpected and abrupt change to their home-life over the last 12 months. 

‘They are fundamentally extraordinary,’ she said. ‘They have coped tremendously well. They cope with it in their different ways. 

‘They’ve both seen the documentary. I was comforted by the fact that they’ve seen a lot of things that may be a shock to others as they’ve spoken to him on FaceTime.

Speaking out: Reflecting on her decision to film the documentary, Kate admitted she wanted to use her platform as a presenter to help those who have been most affected by the virus, which has so far killed 126, 172 people across the United Kingdom

Speaking out: Reflecting on her decision to film the documentary, Kate admitted she wanted to use her platform as a presenter to help those who have been most affected by the virus, which has so far killed 126, 172 people across the United Kingdom

‘They watched it back, and Billy said ”I can’t believe they got me on the trampoline before I mastered a backflip!” When he said that, I realised we were OK. It’s a compliment to Derek as he’s instilled so much confidence in them.’ 

She added: ‘This time yesterday last year, terrible things happened. It’s affected everyone in different ways. 

‘We’ve all been through something, so hopefully we can stick together. Please realise we are still smiling. Love to all of you, and love to Derek.’ 

Kate previously recalled the ‘devastating’ moment her husband told her he feared he couldn’t go on while he was in hospital with coronavirus. 

The presenter told The Mirror: ‘After that call, it was then time to go into GMB and go on air, having been up all night, it was a tough night actually. 

‘But everyone at ITV has been so incredibly supportive. I managed to get through. During this whole time, working on GMB and Smooth Radio has helped me to keep going and keep my spirits up.’   

While Covid is no longer in Derek’s system, the virus left him battling kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure and damage to his pancreas.

Kate added: ‘And in the end, I said to him, “Just stay with me, I’m going to keep talking to you”. And he was obviously exhausted. Because that’s the other thing, is that the tiniest thing completely exhausts him.’

The broadcaster said that even Derek voicing his feelings like that would have taken a huge amount out of him as he has such little energy.

Kate spoke to her husband on the drive into work that day and then told the doctor’s to put on Good Morning Britain so he could see her.

The presenter first invited a film crew into her home last September with the hope that the film would end with Derek returning home.

Health battle: While Covid is no longer in Derek’s system, the virus left him battling kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure and damage to his pancreas 

But seven months later, the documentary will instead focused on Derek’s year in hospital as well as the many months of recovery that are left.

Derek has lost eight stone amid his health battle with Kate revealing the children have not seen him in person at all this year.

She added the kids did visit Derek over Christmas and described it as a ‘shock’ to see the physical change in him. 

Kate has made the ground floor of her home wheelchair accessible and is looking ahead to visiting Derek in hospital as soon as lockdown is eased. 

The star, who acknowledges there is still a long way to go in Derek’s road to recovery, thinks the couple’s relationship may be changed forever.

During an appearance on The One Show on Thursday, Kate said Derek is ‘trapped in the middle ground’ as he is sometimes able to communicate with her before slipping out of consciousness. 

Kate said: ‘One of things I’m here to talk about is the documentary and what you will see is that this time last year, I was, like a lot of us, wondering what was coming our way. 

‘I was fearing the worst, on air reading headlines about the earliest cases of people contracting coronavirus and then I suddenly found myself right in the middle of it.

‘And I’d say there was weeks and months of living minute by minute, wondering if I was going to get the call to say whether he lived or died.’

Kate went on to explain that while Derek has survived COVID, he is ‘trapped in the middle ground’.

Heartbreaking: The presenter first invited a film crew into her home last September with the hope that the film would end with Derek returning home (pictured together prior to Derek's coronavirus battle)

Heartbreaking: The presenter first invited a film crew into her home last September with the hope that the film would end with Derek returning home (pictured together prior to Derek’s coronavirus battle) 

Derek was admitted to hospital in March after contracting the respiratory illness and was subsequently placed in a medically induced coma before he awoke in July. 

She said: ‘Derek is an extreme case, he has a prolonged disorder of consciousness which means that there is some reaction.

‘It’s not like what we see in movies where people are lying in a vegetative state, you know you can look at his eyes and before Christmas there was a lot of progress with some words and communication.’ 

Derek is considered to be the longest surviving COVID-19 patient in the country.

On more than one occasion his heart stopped beating, he battled bacterial pneumonia and fought multiple infections which punctured holes in his lungs.

Kate said: ‘What I feel like is that I’m on a life boat somehow and he’s coming up and down. You’re on this precipice trying to hold onto him.

‘There’ll be moments where he bubbles up and you have contact with him on FaceTime because of the Covid restrictions.

‘It feels like you’re going to have to fill him with so much positivity because he’s going to sink down.’

The GMB host said there will be ‘heartbreaking moments’ in the documentary, as when he does regain consciousness, viewers will see ‘what must be agony for him’.

Kate continued: ‘His brain has always been his best friend. Suddenly his brain is no longer his best friend and he’s fighting to get out.It’s very, very tough. But if it’s tough for me, it must be tougher for him.’

Kate Garraway: Finding Derek aired on ITV on Tuesday at 9pm.  

Sad: Kate – who shares Darcey, 15, and William, 11, (pictured in 2019) with her husband of 15 years – admitted it is 'shocking' to see his current state, including his eight stone weight loss

Sad: Kate – who shares Darcey, 15, and William, 11, (pictured in 2019) with her husband of 15 years – admitted it is ‘shocking’ to see his current state, including his eight stone weight loss

         DEREK DRAPER’S CORONAVIRUS BATTLE 

March 30, 2020: Derek is admitted to a London hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19, little more than a week after Britain enters its first national lockdown

April 3, 2020: Derek is admitted to intensive care four days after his hospitalisation. As his condition steadily worsens, he falls into a coma.  

May 28, 2020: Kate reveals that Derek remains in a coma and is continuing to be cared for by NHS professionals.  

June 5, 2020: The presenter tells Good Morning Britain viewers that Derek is “Covid free”, although the family are unsure if he will ever recover from the ravages of the illness. 

July 5, 2020: Kate reveals that Derek has finally woken from his coma and has opened his eyes – her first communication with her husband since March  

July 13, 2020: Kate resumes her presenting role on Good Morning Britain after taking time off amid Derek’s ongoing illness. 

July 14, 2020: Kate tells viewers she is preparing to visit Derek in hospital for the first time.  

July 21, 2020: Derek hears Kate’s voice after nurses play Good Morning Britain in his hospital room. During her appearance on the show Kate confirms she is preparing to visit him for a second time.     

August 19, 2020: After being absent for three days Kate tells viewers she has tried not to break down after being kept apart from Derek on his 53rd birthday.  

September 10, 2020: Kate and Derek remain apart during their milestone 15th Wedding Anniversary , with the presenter unable to visit her husband. 

September 11, 2020: Kate reveals Derek is still unable to speak but admits plans to visit him in hospital for a belated anniversary celebration.  

September 29, 2020: Derek’s six-month long battle against COVID-19 becomes one of the longest known cases in the United Kingdom.  

October 30, 2020: Derek is finally able to communicate verbally after 214 days in hospital. His first word – “pain.”  

January 7, 2021: Kate reveals her two children saw Derek for the first time since he fell ill during the Christmas period