Piers Morgan has spoken out about a phone call he had with Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper.
The former Good Morning Britain host said he was 'stunned' by the interaction following Derek's Covid battle.
The former Labour lobbyist spent more than a year in hospital after being struck down by the virus and being put in an induced coma.
He returned home to wife Kate and the couple's two children, Darcey and Billy, in April this year where he received around-the-clock care.
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And Piers, 56, had an impromptu exchange with Derek while on the phone to Kate ahead of filming their Life Stories episode.
The former GMB co-stars sat down last week for Piers' last ever Life Stories after he quit after 12 years.
Kate, 54, will take over hosting the show after appearing in the hot seat herself.
Writing in his Mail on Sunday column, Piers told how Kate surprised him by allowing him to talk to Derek.
The pair were chatting when Piers asked about Derek, to which kate replied: "Why don’t you ask him yourself?"
He wrote: "'Derek!' I cried. 'It’s so good to talk to you!'
"There was a slight pause and then I heard a familiar male voice say very clearly and strongly: 'Hello!'
"I was stunned, again."
Piers last spoke to Derek at a Christmas party two years ago.
He continued: "'HELLO!' I stammered back. ‘It’s great to hear your voice again. Keep battling, Derek – we’re all so proud of you!'
"There was another pause, then I heard him say the words ‘Thank you’ – again, very clearly.
"It was a strange, thrilling experience."
Piers admitted that he, nor Kate, expected Derek's response and when they saw each other the next day for filming, they were still wowed by the exchange.
Kate has recently heartbreakingly confessed that "the only person I want to give me a hug can't do it".
"I've had moments of great loneliness and fear," she said.
"It's hard because the person I wanted to give me a hug is the person that can't – and that’s Derek.
"There’s something about coming here and reminding yourself that you can feel the countryside wrapping its arms around you and giving you love back. I feel very grateful for today."
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