Kate Garraway has admitted she feels ‘physically sick’ at the prospect of facing her first Christmas without husband Derek Draper.
The presenter, 53, told Ben Shephard that as she ‘is in total panic’ as she her children are still unable to visit Derek, while he continues to recover from COVID-19 in intensive care.
It comes after Kate admitted earlier this month that Derek had ‘a tough week,’ as she shared over uncertainty over whether her husband could finally be discharged from hospital.
Difficult: Kate Garraway, 53, has admitted she feels ‘physically sick’ at the prospect of facing her first Christmas without husband Derek Draper
Kate and her Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard were discussing the possibility of more COVID-19 restrictions over the festive period, meaning families wouldn’t be able to mix and celebrate Christmas together.
She said that as Derek is still took ill to return home, and her grandparents are unable to visit, she’ll be facing her first Christmas alone since her eldest daughter Darcy was born.
‘I feel physically sick actually and can feel my chest tightening at the thought of it,’ Kate said.
‘I’m in total panic about the idea of me, Darcey and Billy on our own this Christmas unable to visit Derek because of potential restrictions.
Constant battle: The presenter said she ‘is in total panic’ as she her children are still unable to visit Derek, while he continues to recover from COVID-19 in intensive care (pictured in 2019)
‘That huge emotional hole, and I don’t know how to fill it, without grandparents and without friends helping to fill it.
‘It feels like such a significant moment as all festivals are. I do feel in a panic about it, but we’re in this situation because of the spread of a disease that at the moment doesn’t have a cure.’
Derek was originally admitted to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms on March 30 and remains seriously ill.
Kate told how generous fans have offered to give her their cars after she revealed their family Volvo had been stolen from outside their home last week.
Sad: It comes after Kate admitted earlier this month that Derek had ‘a tough week,’ as she shared over uncertainty over whether her husband could finally be discharged from hospital
The car – nicknamed ‘Vicky Volvo’ has belonged to Kate and Derek for the past 20 years.
Speaking of her appreciation to these kind-hearted strangers, Kate said: ‘They’ve been unbelievably nice, and it’s been a bit of a tough old week for Derek so I haven’t got back to anybody.
‘But it’s so lovely – some viewers are offering to lend me their cars! I am constantly blown away by how lovely you’ve all been through this.’
The presenter went on to reveal that one of the nurses at Derek’s hospital had also had her car stolen, adding: ‘There’s a premium on second hand cars at the moment, and people are stealing them.
‘I know times are tough and people turn to things they shouldn’t do but it is heartbreaking, it is an intrusion, it’s something that’s yours.’
Questions: Last week it was reported that Kate is in a state of uncertainty over whether or not Derek will be discharged from hospital after spending more than 214 days in intensive care
Speaking about her own car, she added: ‘It was the first car we had as a family with [daughter] Darcey, so it’s a real shame.’
Last week it was reported that Kate is in a state of uncertainty over whether or not Derek will be discharged from hospital after spending more than 214 days in intensive care with the potentially life-threatening virus.
Speaking to Closer, weather presenter Clare Nazir – a close friend of the Good Morning Britain host – claims the lack of absolutes regarding her stricken husband’s health is ‘eating her alive.’
She said: ‘Kate is a warrior and she’ll do what she has to do to get through this. This is someone who isn’t fazed by interviewing the Prime Minister or victims of child abuse, because she can relate to everybody and has the mental capacity to cope.
‘She’s incredibly resilient. Some people would’ve crumbled by now, but this is going to make her stronger.’
She added: ‘Her priority is to keep her kids’ lives as normal as possible. The uncertainty eats her alive, but she doesn’t want that to transition to them.’
In October Kate revealed Derek mouthed the word ‘pain’ – his first word since falling ill – when asked by nurses if he was in any discomfort.
While Kate said it was ‘heartbreaking’ he was suffering, it marked progress in his recovery since being struck down with coronavirus in March.
But Kate is ‘keeping herself in check’ and said: ‘The power of hope is huge but you’re constantly trying to think, at what point do I have to start being real.’