Good Morning Britain welcomed Kate Garraway back to the show this morning when she opened about her illness and concern over her absence.
Co-star Ben Shepherd led the welcoming party for the 53-year-old who has not been seen on the programme for weeks following the Christmas break.
Her absence sparked concern among viewers but today she was back at Ben's side, revealing she took a break after falling ill.
But today, she was back at co-star Ben Shephard's side and revealed that she had taken a break after falling ill.
Kate said: "It's lovely to be back," when Ben welcomed her, before adding: "A lot of people have been very concerned."
"I've taken some time off," Kate explained. "On ITV they've very kindly given me some time off. I haven't been feeling very well - I think it might be one of those things where chickens come home to roost after a long year that we've all had.
"I just took some holiday leave - at home, I know holidays are controversial - within the four walls of my home. I had a lot of sleep and a bit of medicine and feeling much better, thank you.
"Right, well you've got to bear in mind that a bit of time off for you is a bit of time off for us as well," joked Ben.
Kate has had a tough time and spent her first Christmas at home without husband, Derek, for years who continues to battle Covid-19.
Kate said she hadn't been able to see him since Christmas and said that it had been "tough".
Derek Draper, 53, was admitted to hospital early last year after contracting the virus and put into an induced coma.
He shocked hospital staff in October by speaking for the first time - whispering that he was in pain - but he remains in a form of coma called a PDOC (Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness), which means that he is generally unresponsive.
"And how is the situation? How is Derek?"
"Well, I haven't been able to see him, Ben," said Kate. "I haven't seen him since Christmas, which of course means he's back into a situation where he's looking at strangers in masks. And I think that's the situation for everybody, they've got somebody in the hospital at the moment, it's not unique.
"It's tough. It's also the same for people in care homes. And when you're someone like him who is dealing with a consciousness problem and trying to emerge, I can't help but fear it's not helpful."
Ben supplied: "Because having people in that he knows is helpful..."
"I think it is," agreed Kate. "And so of course that's very tough and there is no end in sight."
