Ben Shephard issues sweet four-word response to Kate Garraway about Derek Draper
Kate Garraway returned to the Good Morning Britain studio on Thursday morning following almost two months away from the ITV show.
Kate Garraway says she's been in 'tears' after GMB return
Good Morning Britain presenter Ben Shephard issued a sweet four-word response to his friend and colleague Kate Garraway after she admitted to feeling “odd” returning to the studio. She confessed people don’t know how to treat her normally anymore, especially Ben who often pokes fun at her.
However, as Ben praised his co-star, he told Kate she did her husband proud, he said: “I’ll give you a little bit of lee-way today, of course, a little bit don’t get carried away. It was an extraordinary funeral.
"It was one of the most extraordinary send-offs, a real celebration. You, Darcey and Bill, all the family, your family and Derek’s family, you really did Derek proud. It was an extraordinary funeral.”
The Good Morning Britain star was last seen in the studio in December last year, before taking time off due to her husband’s health. Sadly, Kate announced at the start of the year that after four and a half years with long COVID, along with suffering a cardiac arrest, her husband Derek Draper had died.
On February 2, his funeral was at the church they got married in in 2005 and was attended by many of Kate’s Good Morning Britain colleagues. During her comeback to the show, she touched on the mass amount of support she’s received as Ben confessed he’s also been getting messages.
Ben added: “Even the extended experience that I’ve had of being your friend and having to put up for you for this many years!
“Finally it’s been worth it because people have been racing out to me.
“It’s the most extraordinary thing, I got some messages from people yesterday saying, ‘We know how difficult it’s been for Kate as one of her friends we just want to reach out to you and say we hope you’re ok as well’.
The 56-year-old announced on Monday morning she’d be returning to the show as Kate spoke to Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley from her home.
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During their discussion, she highlighted that there are some people who are questioning why she’s heading back to work so soon after her husband’s funeral.
“We have to pick ourselves up and go on, don't we? That’s what Derek did and would want me to do,” Kate added.
It wasn’t long before ITV viewers took to Twitter to praise Kate’s return as many were thrilled to see her back on their screens once again.
@CraigStoneUK commented: “Kate - welcome back. Here’s a big ghost hug for you! You can’t feel it, but it’s there.”
@UKFilmTVCritic added: “#GMB Enjoying Kate’s return. Lots of fun, laughter and love [sic] for her colleagues.”
@sueforgeron said: “Welcome back Kate lovely to see you back, you’ve been missed.”
@kwscott29 tweeted: “Great to see you back Kate look after yourself.”
With @Tinacoomer1 commenting: “Welcome back Kate lovely to see you. Ben will look after you fantastic again to see you.”
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.