Kate Garraway, a presenter on Good Morning Britain and Smooth FM radio, is 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. Colleagues have described Garraway as 'chaotic' and occasionally late, with punctuality being a running joke among co-stars.
Liam Halligan, 56, has been on the periphery of Kate Garraway's friendship group, which includes presenters. Garraway is 58 years old. The two have grown close recently, with Halligan being a friend of Derek Draper's for over 20 years.
It's early days, we'll see what happens.
Garraway left Smooth radio's headquarters in central London yesterday with a beaming smile and a copy of the Daily Mail featuring an exclusive about her friendship with Liam Halligan. Liam Halligan confirmed on Mark Dolan's Talk TV show that he is 'good friends' with Kate Garraway and that it is 'early days'. Liam Halligan stated that he and Kate Garraway have both become single in recent years against their wishes and have become good friends in recent weeks and months.
Garraway has confessed to friends and colleagues since Derek's death that she does not have time to date. Friends of Kate Garraway are delighted she may be embarking on a new chapter cautiously. The media coverage has intensified speculation about their relationship, with Garraway seen smiling while holding the newspaper article.
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.
Halligan's public comments have added to the narrative, emphasizing their friendship while acknowledging their shared single status. Garraway's personal situation as a widowed mother balancing work and family has been highlighted, with friends noting her cautious approach to any potential new chapter. The connection through her late husband's long-standing friendship with Halligan has provided a foundation for their recent closeness.