Kate Garraway reveals ‘huge emotional hole’ as husband recovers from Covid in run up to Christmas

Kate Garraway says 'tough couple of weeks' for her husband in coronavirus fight

Kate Garraway has spoken of the “huge emotional hole” left in her family as they face their first Christmas without her husband Derek who is fighting coronavirus in hospital.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, told co-host Ben Shephard that she “feels sick” as her children Darcey, 14, and William, 11, are still unable to visit Derek, while he continues to recover from COVID-19 in intensive care.

“I feel very conflicted about Christmas. I feel physically sick actually and can feel my chest tightening at the thought of it," Kate said.

“I'm in total panic about the idea of me, Darcey and Billy on our own this Christmas unable to visit Derek because of potential restrictions.

"That huge emotional hole, and I don't know how to fill it, without grandparents and without friends helping to fill it.

“It feels like such a significant moment as all festivals are. I do feel in a panic about it, but we're in this situation because of the spread of a disease that at the moment doesn't have a cure.”

Kate Garraway describes chest tightening when she thinks of Christmas without Derek

ITV

Last month, Garraway revealed her husband said his first word since being admitted to hospital with coronavirus seven months ago.

According to The Sun, the former lobbyist and political adviser mouthed the word "pain" as doctors moved his body and Garraway watched over video call.

Draper's tracheotomy tube has been removed and he is now able to breathe without a ventilator, Garraway said.

'The vaccine is good news and it gives us hope, but it's not going to save Christmas.'@DrAmirKhanGP responds to @kategarraway's question about whether the vaccine could save Christmas and allow people to get together.

He adds that not enough people will be vaccinated by Xmas. pic.twitter.com/jiIN865LbY

— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) November 20, 2020

Draper, 53, was admitted to hospital in March with coronavirus symptoms and placed in an induced coma.

Garraway has shared regular updates on her husband's health through social media and on ITV's Good Morning Britain.