TV presenter Kate Garraway was visibly moved as she accepted a National Television Award on Wednesday evening.
The Good Morning Britain star received a standing ovation when she won the authored documentary category for her deeply personal ITV film, 'Derek's Story'. In an emotional speech, Kate expressed her surprise and mixed feelings at winning the honour.
She told the star-studded crowd: "I really genuinely did not expect this, goodness me. This is a bittersweet one isn't it? It's very bitter to be here, with the gorgeous Darcey and Billy. I promised them they didn't have to say anything. We're halfway through the first year of firsts really. A first Easter and first birthday, without Derek. It's so strange to be here for the first Television Awards without him."
'Derek's Story' provided an intimate look at the life of Derek Draper, including his political career and marriage to Kate, as well as the profound impact his illness had on their lives. Tragically, after battling health issues following his COVID-19 infection in 2020, Derek passed away early in 2024 at 56 years old.
Before the ceremony, Kate shared her poignant reflections about Derek's absence, especially during such a significant moment in her career. On the red carpet, she also acknowledged the outpouring of support from the public through emails and letters.
Speaking from the red carpet on Wednesday evening, the Good Morning Britain presenter told the PA news agency: “The comments I’ve had and the emails and the letters have been so wonderful, and so obviously it’s been very sad in a way, because you’d love him to be here, or even if he wasn’t well enough to be actually here then to be going home to tell him all about it. But on the other hand, he will be so happy, I think that the issues that he wanted raised are being raised and so hopefully that’s good."
Garraway said he would have been "very proud of these two", referring to their children Darcey and Billy, who "get very shy at these things but wanted to come". The ITV celebrity admitted her late spouse would have felt immense pride regarding their children, who were present with her at the event. On her kids, she commented they "Get very shy at these things but wanted to come."
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