Kate Garraway is a presenter on Good Morning Britain and Smooth FM radio, and a single mother of two children, Darcey, 20, and Billy, 16. Her husband, Derek Draper, died in January 2024 after a four-year health battle that began when he contracted Covid in 2020. Since his death, Garraway has confessed to friends and colleagues that she does not have time to date, and she has been described as chaotic and occasionally late by her co-stars, with her punctuality being a running joke.
Liam Halligan is 56 years old, while Garraway is 58. Halligan knew Derek Draper as a political commentator, and in recent years, for different reasons, both Halligan and Garraway have become single against their wishes. Halligan has been on the periphery of Garraway's friendship group, which includes presenters, and he is described by former colleagues as quite a catch.
It's early days, we'll see what happens.
Recent sightings and public reactions have fueled relationship rumors. Garraway was seen leaving Smooth radio's headquarters in central London with a copy of the Daily Mail featuring a front-page exclusive about her close friendship with Liam Halligan. When approached by the Daily Mail, Garraway played down rumors of a full-blown relationship. Halligan confirmed he is good friends with Garraway and said it is early days and they will see what happens. Friends of Garraway are delighted she may be embarking on a new chapter, albeit cautiously.
Insights from friends indicate a growing closeness. Garraway and Halligan have been spending lots of time together, some of it alone without their wider friendship group.
I've known her for a long time. I knew Derek, I was a political commentator. In recent years, for different reasons, we have both become single, against our wishes. So, in recent weeks and months, Kate and I have become good friends.
What remains unknown about their relationship status and family dynamics includes whether Kate Garraway and Liam Halligan are officially in a romantic relationship, how long they have been close friends before this report, and the specific reasons why both became single. Additionally, it is unclear whether Garraway's children are aware of or approve of this new closeness, or how Derek Draper's family and friends view it. Garraway has not commented herself on any budding romance.