05 January 2024 , 15:57
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Piers Morgan has spoken out following the death of his former co-star Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper.
The presenter used to host Good Morning Britain with Kate before he sensationally quit in 2021. During Derek's difficult health battle - which saw him get hospitalised many times over the years - Piers provided heartwarming words of support for his former co-presenter.
After contracting Covid in 2020, he was placed into a medically-induced coma and was hospitalised for 13 months. He needed round-the-clock care and assistance after he was released from the hospital. Kate kept fans updated on his difficult journey and recently dropped out of her work commitments to be by his side when he suffered a sudden heart attack in early December.
On January 5, Kate announced the tragic news that Derek died aged 56, with many of her co-stars paid their condolences on her post and their ITV programmes.
Piers paid tribute to Derek (Piers Morgan Instagram)Piers shared a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said: "RIP Derek Draper. A brilliantly clever & funny man who fought his covid health hell with such courage & resilience, helped every step of the way by his magnificent wife @kategarraway whose loyal, loving, selfless devotion was truly astounding. Heartbreaking news."
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He also posted a throwback picture of Derek and Kate smiling at the camera. It comes after ITV's many morning talk shows paid tribute to the psychologist and author. Loose Women began their programme with a tribute while Lisa Snowdon, Carol Vorderman and more took to Kate's original post to share their messages of support.
Kate announced the death of her husband on January 5Kate announced his death today with a photo of him shared on social media. She said: "I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away. As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.
"Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed. I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.
"Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."