‘Brave’ Kate’s hell over new setback
Coronavirus ‘nightmare’ continues six months on
Things have been hellish for Kate Garraway since her husband Derek Draper was admitted to hospital in March with the coronavirus. But just as she was starting to get some normality back in her life by seeing friends and working again, she has been hit with a new setback.
With Derek, 53, still in intensive care six months on, Kate, 53, has only recently returned to presenting Good Morning Britain and her radio show. When travelling by motorbike into the radio station last week, she said, “So great to be back on the bike. I’ve missed it. I am just saying it feels all ‘mellow mists and fruitfulness’ this morning.” And with her children Darcey, 14, and Billy, 11, back at school, Kate had been able to socialise more over the last few weeks, which has left her feeling positive. “Feels good to be braving doing more and seeing my friends,” she said.
So, when the government announced they were enforcing tighter restrictions last week, encouraging people to work from home if they can and hospitality venues shutting at 10pm, it would have no doubt come as a huge blow to Kate. The presenter has already been through so much this year, as her friend and fellow GMB host Susanna Reid explained. Susanna, 49, said, “It’s been a nightmare that has knocked all of us for six, but Kate is living through it every day. To watch her put on a brave face and carry on has been an utter inspiration for all of us who work on the show, and I also know she’s an inspiration to everyone who watches it.” Hear, hear. Our thoughts continue to go out to Kate and her family.
For the first time since it started in 1949, the Emmys was an online affair. The 72nd Primetime Awards were held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles with American talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel, 52, fronting it, while nominees watched and waited at home to see if they’d won. Usually one of the swankiest nights in Hollywood, the ceremony’s dress code this year was “come as you are”, which meant stars could be as dressed up or as casual as they liked. Some celebs did appear in person, including actor Randall Park and comedian Jason Sudeikis, who both presented awards. However, the night belonged to Hollywood golden girl Jennifer Aniston. Despite not winning in the Best Actress category for her role of Alex Levy in The Morning Show, she seemed to have a great time. Jen, 51, wore a vintage black Dior dress and shared pictures of herself getting ready before the ceremony. In her dressing gown, wearing a beauty mask and drinking Champagne, she said, “Emmys prep… in my other mask,” referring to the medical face masks everyone’s now accustomed to wearing. Whether in her pjs or in black tie, we think Jen-An always looks amazing!
Representing the Brits was former E4 presenter Jameela, 34, who stars in comedydrama which was up for several awards. She had the perfect outfit for a virtual awards ceremony, wearing her pyjamas with a sequinned dressing gown.
Louise Minchin brightens up our mornings as one of the most familiar faces on breakfast telly. As part of the BBC’s Breakfast team, alongside Dan Walker, Naga Munchetty, Charlie Stayt, Carol Kirkwood and Sally Nugent, she keeps the nation entertained and informed on weekdays.
Away from the cameras, Louise, 52, is nothing short of a superwoman, who has tackled gruelling triathlons and marathons – while juggling being a devoted mum to daughters Mia, 18, and Scarlett, 15, whom she shares with husband David.
With the programme celebrating its 20th birthday on 2 October, Louise – who first presented it in 2001, before becoming a regular in 2006 – talks to us about the show’s success, snubbing Strictly, and why she’s not worried about Piers Morgan’s constant goading…
How are you all celebrating the 20th anniversary of
I can’t believe it’s been 20 years! I’ll probably celebrate by having an extra-special large cup of tea. We won’t have a huge party or Zoom drinks, but we will celebrate with a cake before getting on with our jobs as normal.
BBC Breakfast?
What’s been your most memorable highlight on the show?
My best moment was the Wake Up To The Menopause campaign in 2019. It changed conversations. So many people got in touch with us about it and said their lives were changed. It started as a personal story [Louise revealed the anxiety and low moods she was suffering from], and it was scary to put myself in this vulnerable position, but it was very rewarding.
Who have been your favourite guests? We’ve had so many brilliant moments over the years, like
Stormzy sitting on the sofa in his slippers. Cuba Gooding Jr made me laugh. I loved him. He was bouncing around with so much energy and was absolutely fantastic. I’m a massive fan of The X-Files, so to meet Gillian Anderson and see her sitting on the red sofa was fantastic.
What’s been your most embarrassing moment?
My most embarrassing
– and very funny – moment was when
I released some mosquitos into the studio in 2013. Bill and I were doing a segment on tropical diseases and a doctor brought some mozzies in a specially sealed container. I managed to pull the sleeve off and let out all the mosquitoes around the studio. Charlie got bitten by one the next day! People still remind me of it and it’s out there on YouTube.
We’re all really close in different ways. Dan’s like my younger brother, who I adore but tease
been the number-one breakfast programme for over a decade, with over 6.5 million people watching us daily. The figures tell the reality. Healthy competition is welcomed. I respect that we have two brilliant offerings and people have the choice. The fact that people tune in to us every single day in their droves is brilliant.
I get on perfectly well with Piers. He would rib me in person, but I tell him, “It’s a fact that we’re the UK’s number-one breakfast show.” I’ve known Susanna for many years – we used to work with each other and we’ll have a good gossip every few months.
I ever did. Before it, I would be happy if I had carrots and houmous for supper. And last night, I made a Japanese mushroom tofu soup. That would never have happened in a million years. I’m addicted to World’s Toughest Race with Bear Grylls so I would be up for that. It’s gnarly and brutal, but I would say yes to it. I’ve already made up a celebrity dream team in my head, which includes Rob Rinder [who I did Sport Relief with], although I’ve not been asked.
Like most working parents, I juggle everything with difficulty and try to fit it all in. I’m lucky as I get up at 3.45am, so my working day is done while the children are asleep. My girls are the first to remind me that I’m a much nicer mum after a run and don’t nag them about their untidy bedrooms!
I do some form of exercise every day, including walking the dogs. Right now, I’m training for the Virtual London Marathon on 4 October and I’m raising money for Age UK. I did a 17km trail run yesterday. I could have made it easy and gone on a treadmill or a flat run, but instead I did a 10.5-mile run with lots of hills and got lost four times.
BBC Breakfast is on BBC One daily from 6am
l‘Our team is like a family’