Viewers were in awe of Kate Garraway as she shared her incredibly difficult year following Derek's hospitalisation with coronavirus in March last year, hailing her as "brave" and "inspirational".
Derek, 53, has spent the last 12 months in hospital after contracting coronavirus in March 2020 and was placed into a medically induced coma.
The author, who has been described as having the worst Covid infection than any living patient, regained minimal consciousness in July and uttered his first word "pain" in October.
Throughout the documentary, Kate was seen speaking to Derek on FaceTime, pushing him forward towards recovery.
"While in many ways, Derek is showing signs of improvement, his mental state is worryingly unpredictable," Kate warned, revealing that her husband suffered some dark times when he said he "couldn't go on".
Co-star Piers Morgan branded the documentary "heartbreaking", while Ben Shephard tweeted: "So proud of my friend @kategarraway she continues to surprise, delight, occasionally infuriate but always inspire me. Thinking of Kate, her family and anyone who is battling Covid or has lost someone close to them to the virus. #FindingDerek."
Charlotte Hawkins wrote: "Thinking of my lovely friend @kategarraway tonight with her documentary #FindingDerek on @ITV at 9pm. It’s so heartbreaking, we’re all just praying Derek will find a way back. Please watch & send love to Kate & her family."
While money expert Martin Lewis tweeted: "It's very difficult watching #FindingDerek but nothing compared to living it. Kate 's positivity and preserverence is so powerful. I just keep trying to grab glimpses of the quick, witty, warm Derek I remember. To see his anxiety and confusion is horrible. I pray he' s found."
Lorraine Kelly praised Kate's courage, writing: "Heartbreaking but such courage, humanity and strength @kategarraway - you are incredible! ❤️ #FindingDerek."
Fans flocked to Twitter to praise Kate, with one writing: "What a brave and inspirational lady @kategarraway such a raw insight into your story with this horrific disease, sending love and prayers to you all #FindingDerek."
While another commented: "#FindingDerek no words .. but compete respect for Kate and her family."
"@kategarraway you are such a strong person. I have so much respect for you #FindingDerek," a third wrote.
Another tweeted: "@kategarraway you are amazing, poor Derek #FindingDerek."
One commented: "Watching #FindingDerek The devastating reality of covid. What a strong family ♥️ #WearAMask."
A fan praised: "Hats off to Kate, litterally superwoman!! #FindingDerek."
*Kate Garraway: Finding Derek is available on ITV Hub
