Kate Garraway 's poignant documentary about her husband Derek Draper 's health has become one of ITV's highest-rated factual shows in years after bringing in 4.5 million viewers.
The programme, Kate Garraway: Finding Derek, aired earlier this week and became ITV's highest-rated factual show in the Tuesday 9pm slot in at least a decade.
It was also the channel's biggest factual overnight audience across all days in the 9pm slot since Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace back in June last year and the biggest single documentary audience since The Queen's Green Planet in 2018.
It averaged 4.5 million viewers, with a peak of 4.7 million and a 24 per cent share.
The show followed Good Morning Britain presenter Kate as she coped with her husband's illness after he was admitted to hospital with coronavirus in March 2020.
Former political lobbyist Derek regained consciousness after being placed in an induced coma, but remains in hospital being treated for conditions including heart and liver problems resulting from his battle with the bug.
Since the documentary aired, Kate has been bombarded with supportive messages from viewers and she's admitted she found the response "incredibly moving".
During her appearance on GMB on Thursday, Kate revealed she has been inundated with comments from viewers, including many who had similar experiences to her during the pandemic.
Admitting it was "difficult" for her to decide whether or not to film the documentary, she reached out to people who wanted to speak with her personally about their own experiences
Her co-host Susanna Reid told her: "My goodness, we were inundated yesterday morning with love and support to you from viewers who were blown away by the story you told."
Kate replied: "It's been overwhelming in a really wonderful way with so many comments from people.
"It was a difficult decision filming it....the reaction has been extraordinary. I've had so many messages from people."
Host Adil Ray also praised Kate for her bravery, telling her: "I think it's incredible what you have been doing Kate, I really do.
"Turning a life-changing moment into something positive for you and your children."
