Kate Garraway: ‘Getting older is no reason to stop feeling sexy’
I’d love to!’
The unstoppable Kate Garraway talks about how she loves a challenge now, and feels like a whole new woman since that life-changing jungle stint…
Kate Garraway, who is still – for now, anyway – gamely presenting Good MorningBritain with Ben Shephard during the Coronavirus crisis when Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid aren’t hosting, talks about getting married to her husband for a second time, how I’mA Celebrity… has changed her, and why, at 52, she’s feeling sexier than ever. The popular presenter lives in London with her husband, Derek Draper, and their children, Darcey, 14, and Billy, 10.
JUNGLE FEVER
I’m A Celebrity… last November was such a big experience, everything was taken out of my control. I didn’t know what time of day it was – I had to just focus on the moment, get involved in great conversations. I’ve stopped trying to do 50 things at once. I’ve been reminded of the important things, like friends and family. It made me realise that being a bit braver sometimes, allowing myself to be a bit scared, isn’t the end of the world. As we get older, we tend to seek out what’s comfortable and happy. If you’re in your 50s, you’re trying to find peace and happiness. That’s great, but you have to be careful that the downside of that isn’t your world closing in. There’s nothing wrong with new perspectives.
MY ROMANTIC WEDDING
Derek proposed when I got out of the jungle. It was very sweet. So, we’re going to have a second wedding and Darcey wants to plan the whole thing. She’ll probably want me to look like Kendall Jenner on the day – good luck with that! She’s not keen on the clothes I wear. She’s slightly horrified by my ‘embarrassing mother syndrome’. I married Derek for the first time in 2005. This time, we’d have to have Roman [Kemp] as page boy. Knowing Roman, he’s probably allowed to officially marry people.
It would be fun!
FEELING SEXY IN MY 50s
It was a real confidence boost and very exciting to be an old, married woman and
have someone as gorgeous as Myles Stephenson [ her jungle campmate] say they fancy you! You can feel a little bit like you disappear, when you get older. Even at GMTV when I was relatively young, I’ve always been surrounded by greatlooking women: Fiona Phillips, Lorraine Kelly, Penny Smith... Charlotte’s obviously preposterously gorgeous. Susanna is super sexy, I can’t believe she’s turning 50. The 50-yearolds are just as fabulous as the 20-year-olds, now!
FEELGOOD BEAUTY TIPS
A fake tan makes you feel good and doesn’t damage your skin. We don’t see a lot of sun in this country, now even less so as everyone is staying at home – so I think having a fake tan makes a big difference, even if you’re not going anywhere! Drink lots of water. I think the older you get, the more important that is, for your brain as well as everything else.
FAMILY FUN
Darcey loves Piers. She’s actually taken to texting the GMB editors to ask if she can come on the show and argue with him. Honestly! She got the number out of my phone. They’re keeping her well away, for everyone’s sake. I think the thing about Piers is that she agrees with him but also just wants to row about stuff. He’s one of those people that does make you want to have a good argument. She thinks he’s brilliant.
MY NEXT STEPS
It’s my 20th year on ITV breakfast. It’s so nice watching people I’ve interviewed over the years flourish, like the Harry Potter lot, and A-list stars like Beyoncé. I interviewed her when Darcey was a baby – she nearly weed on her! My show on Smooth Radio is all about chilling, whereas GMB is fast-paced. I love that light and shade. I’m very excited about my new weekend chat show, Breakfast At Garraway’s, and it will be on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Of course with the current crisis, millions of families are spending lots more time at home, so I want to bring lots of fun, joy and smiles every weekend. I’ll have celebrity guests, news, tips and life hacks on what to do while at home and a bit of cooking thrown in, too. I know you’re thinking, ‘ What is breakfast at Garraway’s like?’ Quite chaotic! My other project is my free, online wellbeing club, ClubGarraway.com. I’m trying to look after my wellbeing, and a sense of community is vital to that, especially during these uncertain and scary times.
Breakfast at Garraway’s is on ITV, Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8.30am from 18 April.