Kate Garraway’s New Chapter
Kate Garraway, known for her role in Celebrity Traitors, has recently been spotted wearing her wedding ring on her other hand, sparking speculation about a potential new romance. This shift comes after the passing of her late husband, Derek Draper, in January 2024 due to complications from COVID-19.
Garraway, who is 58 years old, has been focusing on rebuilding her life with their children, Darcey and William, since Derek’s death. In December 2025, she hinted at the possibility of opening up to another relationship, expressing that it would be “a sad way to go through life” to never love again. This sentiment was shared during an interview with Jamie Lang on his podcast.
It seems that the Good Morning Britain host is tentatively stepping back into the dating scene, following rumors that she may be seeing fellow journalist Liam Halligan. The change in ring placement appears to be a gesture of remembrance for her late husband, as she now wears the rings on her right hand daily.
According to reports, Garraway initially moved her wedding band and engagement ring while filming a challenge for Celebrity Traitors last year. A spokesperson confirmed that she continues to wear them on her right hand every day in memory of Derek.
Garraway married Derek Draper, a former political advisor and psychotherapist, in 2005 after being introduced by Labour MP Gloria De Piero. They welcomed their daughter Darcey in 2006 and later their son William in 2009. The couple had planned to renew their wedding vows for their 15th anniversary in 2020 but had to postpone due to Derek’s illness with COVID in March of that year.
Derek required round-the-clock care due to the complications from his illness and passed away in January 2024 at the age of 56. Garraway announced his death in January 2024, sharing a photo on Instagram and writing: “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.”
She continued: “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.”
Although Garraway has not publicly addressed the rumors of a relationship with Liam Halligan, he has seemingly confirmed their growing closeness. The pair reconnected after being reintroduced via mutual friends, and they were spotted together when Garraway visited an Essex pub to watch him perform with his band, The Hooligans.
On Mark Dolan’s Talk TV radio show, Halligan shared his thoughts on their connection: “I’ve known Kate for a long time. I knew her late husband Derek, of course I did, I was a correspondent for the Financial Times in the late nineties. In recent years for different reasons we’ve both ended up single, against our wishes I should say. And so, in recent weeks and months Kate and I have become good friends.”
Regarding the photos taken of them together, Liam said: “It turns out some of my neighbours were excited that she was in the pub and posted some pictures.” He described himself as “good friends” with Garraway, adding, “It’s early days, we’ll see what happens.”
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