Kate Garraway has spoken out on being honoured in the latest New Year's Honours list.
On December 31 it was revealed that the Good Morning Britain host would be receiving an MBE in recognition for her services to broadcasting, journalism, and charity.
The 54-year-old's award comes after spending almost two years documenting her husband Derek Draper's battle with coronavirus.
Appearing on GMB on Tuesday morning (January 4), Kate revealed she had negative backlash to the news she was being honoured.
Speaking to Susanna Reid and Richard Bacon, Kate joked: "Why you were sitting down, why aren't you bowing?"
To which the presenters eventually stood up and welcomed their co-star back onto the show via video link.
Kate admitted she "very awkward" about her latest recognition after several decades in the industry.
"They had sent a letter saying would you accept and I said, 'yes'," Kate explained about finding out she was to receive an MBE, revealing that letter had actually been picked up and first read by her sister-in-law as Derek was spending time in and out of hospital.
"I didn't tell anybody, I didn't even tell my parents because I didn't want to tempt fate.
"On new year's eve, it didn't feel real until people started saying congratulations."
However, the mum-of-two admitted: "There have been a few comments since it was announced from people saying: 'Why has she got this? I look after my loved one.'"
Kate then pointed out that it "is not for looking after Derek".
"But there's lots of people you feel deserve it more," she added before her co-stars reassured her that she was a deserving recipient.
Later, Kate offered an update on Derek after spending their first Christmas together since Derek became ill after contracting coronavirus in March 2020.
"He’s doing alright," Kate told the hosts. "He is phenomenally fatigued at the moment. He’s very fatigued and very weak."
She said his first 'big trip out' to watch a Pantomime before Christmas had also 'taken it out of him'.
Kate said: "We thought it was worth it and I know he did too. It took everything out of him.," before adding: "We don’t know what this year is going to bring."
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