I’m very grateful Ben has been there
Kate Garraway tells us how her close 20-year friendship with Good Morning Britain co-host has helped her get through 2020 since husband Derek fell seriously ill with coronavirus in March
Few people have supported Kate Garraway quite like her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard. In a true sign of their 20-year friendship, Ben has been by Kate’s side every step of the way following her husband Derek Draper’s hospitalisation in March with coronavirus. “I genuinely can’t explain my pride, admiration and love for what Kate has been through,” said proud Ben, who has sons Jack, 15, and Sam, 13, with his wife Annie. The presenters have once again teamed up to host GMB’s annual 1 Million Minutes Awards, which celebrate the show’s campaign to end loneliness and encourage Brits to pledge their time and volunteer to help others. The awards will no doubt feel even more poignant this year after what Kate, who has daughter Darcey, 14, and son Billy, 11, with Derek, describes as a “horrendous” 2020. Here, Kate, 53, and co-star Ben, 46, open up about missed moments and spending Christmas together…
How E has your friendship with Ben helped you through this year, Kate?
Kate: It’s been phenomenal. For 20 years, Ben has had to do so much for me, but this year has been another level. He has been trying to do everything he can to help. It has been a huge pressure on him. Working alongside somebody you care for and you are worried about, plus also trying to do the job, is a huge thing. I’m very grateful he has been there and I’m aware how tough it’s been for him. He’s been amazing.
Ben: I genuinely can’t explain my pride, admiration and love for what Kate has been through, and Bill and Darcey, and how remarkable she has been in juggling the number of different factors. There’s not a day when I don’t think about her and whether I can do something to help her. We all want to know what the outcome is going to be and that is the hardest thing, not knowing. In 2021, I will undoubtedly be more optimistic and positive because of my friendship with Kate and how much I admire her.
Christmas will no doubt be very difficult this year, Kate…
Kate: Essentially, like for everyone, it is very uncertain – and there are many other religions that have had festivals this year that have had to go without their get togethers already. The crux of it is that Christmas for lots of people is their memory of childhood. It’s their memory of being with their parents and wanting to feel that again and wanting to recreate that feeling for their children.
Ben, you’ve said that you would be round to Kate’s in a heartbeat if the regulations allowed it…
Ben: I have got some roast potatoes and pigs in blankets ready to go. Kate: Annie came round with a food parcel the other day and it was delicious. Darcey was like, “When is Annie coming again?” How emotional was it hearing the inspiring stories of the finalists for this year’s 1 Million Minute Awards? Kate: It has been so incredible to see people give their valuable free time to help others in need, especially during what has been a horrendous and difficult year. This has been a year that has changed everyone’s lives.
It’s been an exceptional year in terms of people going above and beyond. There is a lot of resonance for all of us because we have all been dealing with friends and families affected by coronavirus. It’s the fifth year, and over 150million minutes have been donated in ththe four previous years. We’re hoping this yeary will be our biggest yet. lo str Kate: Ka Absolutely. There have been so mmany missed moments. It really doedoes break your heart thinking aboabout it. The first one was not having our chocolate Easter egg hunt which my mumm organises every year. That wastwasthe first event we missed that really hit home. Then there was my birthbirthday and then Billy’s birthday and DerekDerek’s birthday. I shall treasure all that wwhen we start to get it back. To pledgep support to Good Morning Britain’s Britain 1 Million Minutes Awards, go to ITV.ITcom/1MillionMinutes
‘I genuinely can’t explain my pride, admiration and love for what Kate’s been through. There’s not a day when I don’t think about her. Ben Shephard