GMB’s Ben Shephard sends emotional message to Kate Garraway as she pulls out of show to care for hospitalised Derek

GOOD Morning Britain's Ben Shephard is sending "lots of love" to co-star Kate Garraway after she pulled out of hosting this week to be at her ill husband Derek Draper's bedside.

Former political adviser Derek nearly died multiple times from Covid complications during his two year battle with the illness and has been receiving round the clock care at home as he continues his recovery.

However, his condition has taken a turn for the worst and he is now back in hospital.

Speaking on today's GMB, Ben said: "We are missing a member of the team, aren't we?"

Charlotte Hawkins replied: "We are, yeah. So Kate's taken some time out to be with Derek at the moment so we are sending lots of love. Lots of you have been in touch with messages of support, so we wish him well."

Ben added: "Thanks very much for your messages of support, you know how much Kate appreciates all the support she gets, and fingers crossed Derek will be home as soon as possible."

And ITV star Lorraine Kelly, whose show follows GMB, also sent her love to Kate and her family.

Those close to the family told The Sun the 54-year-old remains “seriously unwell” – having struggled to overcome major health problems after he contracted Covid in 2020, and he has been taken back to hospital for specialist care.

Derek eventually became the nation’s longest suffering patient after spending 13 months in hospital.

Devoted Kate, 55, is by his side in the hospital where Derek is being monitored by leading consultants.

The popular presenter, who also pulled out of her mid-morning radio show on Smooth FM, told just weeks ago how she had hoped he was improving after another stint on a hospital ward.

A source said: “Derek has been taken back to hospital this morning in a very serious condition.

“The family are very worried about him but Derek is in the best hands.

“Kate is by his side and is keeping it together as best she can. She’s a total professional and devoted to her work – both on Good Morning Britain and Smooth - but she had no choice but to step away this week to be there with him.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for her and their family.”

Kate said earlier this month she was “exhausted” after shuttling Derek back and forth from the hospital appointments, with doctors regularly monitoring his condition and attempting to help him recover.

He had been spending time at home with Kate and their two children, Darcey, 16, and Billy, 12, before an unexpected downturn forced him to return to hospital.

Speaking to The Sun previously, Kate said she tried to keep a smile on her face despite the hardships they faced.

Kate said: “I try to embrace life, especially the kids as we’ve had two and a half years of it.

“Their lives have changed and they need to do things.

“I’ve shown Derek pictures of Darcey in her prom dress, and now he can press one button and FaceTime her.

“It was emotional and strange seeing her all grown up on the night.”

Derek’s progress has been documented in two ITV films, Finding Derek and Caring For Derek.

Kate helped nurse her husband back to health around the clock after the former Labour adviser returned to their London home. 

It took months before Derek was able to tell his wife he "loves her" again - which was the first time since he became unwell.

She revealed in the second film that she secretly flew Derek to North America for a ground-breaking medical trial in November.