Kate Garraway is one of Britain’s most recognized television and radio personalities. Known for her warm presenting style and long-standing career in broadcasting, she has become a familiar face on breakfast television through her work on Good Morning Britain. Beyond her successful career, Kate has inspired millions with her resilience during her late husband Derek Draper’s prolonged illness following COVID-19 and his passing in January 2024.
In recent months, public attention has increasingly focused on Kate Garraway new partner. Reports suggest that she has found happiness again with broadcaster and economist Liam Halligan after a difficult period in her personal life. While Kate has spoken positively about this new chapter, she has also emphasized that the relationship is still in its early stages.
This comprehensive guide explores Kate Garraway’s biography, career, family, achievements, personal life, and the latest updates regarding her reported new relationship.
Who is Kate Garraway?
Kate Garraway is an English television presenter, journalist, and radio broadcaster best known for co-hosting Good Morning Britain and presenting programs on Smooth Radio. She has worked in British broadcasting for more than three decades, earning widespread respect for her professionalism, empathy, and engaging on-screen personality.
Over the years, she has interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and public figures while covering major national and international events. Her openness about caring for her late husband, Derek Draper, during his long recovery from COVID-19 complications also made her a symbol of resilience and compassion across the UK.
Kate Garraway Quick Bio
| Full Name | Kathryn Mary Garraway |
| Popular Name | Kate Garraway |
| Date of Birth | 4 May 1967 |
| Age (2026) | 59 years |
| Birthplace | Abingdon, Berkshire (now Oxfordshire), England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Television Presenter, Journalist, Radio Presenter, Author |
| Years Active | 1989–Present |
| Education | Bath College of Higher Education (now Bath Spa University) |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Late Husband | Derek Draper (m. 2005–2024) |
| Children | 2 (Darcey and Billy) |
| Known For | Good Morning Britain, Smooth Radio, GMTV |
Kate Garraway Age: How Old Is She in 2026?
Born on 4 May 1967, Kate Garraway is 59 years old as of 2026. Despite nearly four decades in the media industry, she remains one of Britain’s most popular television presenters.
Her longevity in broadcasting reflects her adaptability and ability to connect with audiences across different generations. Whether presenting live television, interviewing public figures, or hosting radio shows, Kate continues to be an influential voice in British media.
Early Life
Kate Garraway was born in Abingdon, England, and spent much of her childhood in Oxfordshire. She grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged education and curiosity.
Her father worked as a civil servant, while her mother was involved in teaching. From an early age, Kate displayed a passion for communication and storytelling, participating in school activities and developing an interest in journalism.
She later attended Bath College of Higher Education (now Bath Spa University), where she studied English and History. During her university years, she gained valuable experience in local radio, laying the foundation for her future career in broadcasting.
Kate Garraway Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Hair Colour | Blonde |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | White |
Kate Garraway Family Background
Kate Garraway comes from a close-knit British family. Her father served as a civil servant, while her mother worked as a teacher, creating an environment that valued education and hard work.
In 2005, Kate married political adviser and psychologist Derek Draper. Together they had two children, Darcey and Billy. Their family life changed dramatically when Derek contracted COVID-19 in 2020 and experienced severe long-term complications. Kate openly documented the emotional and financial challenges of caring for him through documentaries and her bestselling books. Derek passed away in January 2024, prompting an outpouring of public sympathy and support.
Career
Television Career
Kate Garraway’s television career began in regional broadcasting, where she worked as a production journalist and news presenter. Her professionalism quickly earned her opportunities with larger networks.
ITV News Central
Kate joined ITV News Central in the early 1990s, working as both a reporter and presenter. This role provided valuable newsroom experience and helped establish her reputation as a reliable journalist.
BBC News 24
In 1997, she became one of the early presenters on BBC News 24, Britain’s rolling news channel. The position exposed her to national audiences and allowed her to cover major breaking news stories.
Sky News
Kate later joined Sky News, presenting the breakfast programme Sunrise. Her approachable presentation style helped her become one of the channel’s most familiar faces.
GMTV
Her breakthrough came when she joined GMTV, where she became one of the network’s leading presenters. She interviewed politicians, entertainers, authors, and international celebrities while covering significant national events.
Good Morning Britain
When GMTV evolved into Good Morning Britain, Kate continued as one of the programme’s principal presenters. Her interviews, empathy, and professionalism have made her one of the show’s defining personalities.
Throughout her television career, Kate has also appeared on entertainment programmes including Strictly Come Dancing, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, documentaries, charity specials, and panel shows.
Kate Garraway Books
Alongside her successful broadcasting career, Kate Garraway has established herself as a bestselling author. Her books combine humor, honesty, and emotional storytelling, reflecting both her professional experiences and personal life.
The Joy of Big Knickers (2017)
Kate’s first book, The Joy of Big Knickers (or Learning to Love the Rest of Your Life), is a light-hearted yet thoughtful look at life, aging, family, relationships, and finding happiness. The book resonated with readers for its relatable anecdotes and optimistic outlook.
The Power of Hope (2021)
Following her husband Derek Draper’s severe illness after contracting COVID-19, Kate published The Power of Hope. The memoir details the emotional journey of caring for Derek, balancing family life, and maintaining her television career while facing extraordinary challenges. The book became a bestseller and was widely praised for its honesty, resilience, and compassion.
Charity Work
Kate Garraway has dedicated considerable time to charitable causes throughout her career. She is an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, helping grant wishes to seriously ill children and raising awareness of the charity’s work.
Following Derek Draper’s illness, Kate also became a prominent advocate for:
- Better support for unpaid carers
- Increased awareness of long COVID
- Improvements to the UK’s social care system
- Mental health support for families affected by serious illness
Her documentaries and public speaking have helped bring national attention to the financial, emotional, and practical challenges faced by carers across the United Kingdom.
Filmography
Television & Film
| Year(s) | Programme / Film | Role | Notes |
| 1989–1996 | ITV News Central | Presenter & Reporter | Regional news |
| 1996–1998 | ITV News Meridian | News Presenter | Evening news |
| 1998–2000 | Sunrise (Sky News) | Presenter | Breakfast news |
| 2000–2010 | GMTV | Co-presenter | National breakfast television |
| 2010–2014 | Daybreak | Presenter | ITV breakfast programme |
| 2014–Present | Good Morning Britain | Presenter | ITV morning show |
| 2014–2016 | The National Lottery Draws | Presenter | BBC One |
| 2007 | Strictly Come Dancing | Contestant | Series 5 |
| 2019 | I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! | Contestant | Finished fourth |
| 2021 | Kate Garraway: Finding Derek | Presenter | Documentary |
| 2022 | Kate Garraway: Caring for Derek | Presenter | Documentary |
| 2022 | Your Body Uncovered with Kate Garraway | Presenter | Health series |
| 2022–Present | Kate Garraway’s Life Stories | Presenter | Interview series |
| 2024 | Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story | Presenter | Documentary |
| 2025 | The Masked Singer UK | Contestant (“Spag Bol”) | Celebrity competition |
| 2025 | The Celebrity Traitors | Contestant | Reality competition |
| 2017 | Sharknado 5: Global Swarming | Cameo | Film |
| 2017 | The LEGO Ninjago Movie | Voice Cameo | Animated film |
Kate Garraway Personal Life
Kate Garraway’s personal life has attracted significant public attention, particularly over the past several years. She was first married to television executive Ian Rumsey between 1998 and 2002. In September 2005, she married political adviser and author Derek Draper.
Together, Kate and Derek welcomed two children, daughter Darcey and son Billy (William). The family enjoyed a relatively private life until 2020, when Derek contracted COVID-19 and suffered severe complications that led to one of the UK’s most widely followed long COVID stories.
For almost four years, Kate balanced an exceptionally demanding career with caring for Derek while raising their children. She openly discussed the emotional and financial strain of long-term care through interviews, documentaries, and her memoirs.
Derek Draper passed away in January 2024 after years of health complications. Kate has since spoken about the grief of losing her husband while also expressing gratitude for the support she received from family, friends, colleagues, and the public.
Kate Garraway New Partner
Since Derek Draper’s passing, there has been widespread public interest in whether Kate Garraway had found love again.
In 2026, multiple UK media outlets reported that Kate is in a relationship with journalist, broadcaster, and economist Liam Halligan. Halligan, who has worked as an economics editor and columnist and is also a broadcaster, had reportedly known both Kate and Derek for many years before their relationship developed.
Reports indicate that the pair began spending more time together in early 2026 and were later photographed supporting one another at charity events. They were also reported to have taken their first holiday together in Italy during the summer of 2026. According to people close to the couple, the relationship has developed gradually, with both taking time to adjust after Kate’s difficult years caring for Derek.
Kate has addressed the speculation publicly but has remained understandably private. Speaking at the TRIC Awards in June 2026, she described the relationship as “lovely” while emphasizing that it was still in its early stages and that she did not want to place unnecessary pressure on it. Liam Halligan has similarly acknowledged that they have grown closer but has avoided sharing extensive details about their private lives.
Although media interest remains high, Kate continues to focus primarily on her children, broadcasting career, and charitable work. Those close to her have suggested that she is approaching this new chapter with optimism while continuing to honour Derek Draper’s memory.
Awards and Honours
Kate Garraway has earned widespread recognition throughout her broadcasting career. Her professionalism, warmth, and resilience have been acknowledged by both television audiences and the wider media industry.
One of her most significant honours came in the 2022 New Year Honours, when she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to broadcasting, journalism, and charity. The honour recognized not only her long career in television and radio but also her advocacy for carers and her charitable contributions.
Her documentaries about Derek Draper’s illness, particularly Finding Derek and Caring for Derek, received widespread critical acclaim and won several television awards for their honest portrayal of life with long COVID.
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
| 2021 | National Television Awards | Authored Documentary (Finding Derek) | Won |
| 2021 | TV Choice Awards | Best Factual Show (Finding Derek) | Won |
| 2022 | New Year Honours | Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) | Awarded |
| 2022 | TRIC Awards | Recognition for Broadcasting | Honoured |
| Various Years | ITV Recognition Awards | Broadcasting Excellence | Recognised |
| Various Years | Charity Recognition | Services to Carers & Awareness Campaigns | Honoured |
Kate Garraway Net Worth
As of 2026, Kate Garraway’s estimated net worth is reported by various media outlets to be in the region of £1 million to £2 million. Although exact figures have not been publicly confirmed, her wealth has been built through a successful career spanning more than three decades in television, radio, publishing, and public appearances.
Her primary income sources include:
- Television presenting
- Radio broadcasting
- Book royalties
- Documentary production
- Brand partnerships and speaking engagements
Following Derek Draper’s illness, Kate has openly discussed the significant financial impact of long-term healthcare and caregiving. Despite these challenges, she has continued to work extensively across television and radio while advocating for improved support for carers throughout the UK.
Kate Garraway on Social Media
Kate Garraway is active on social media, where she shares updates about her television career, radio shows, charity work, and special moments from her personal life. She often posts behind-the-scenes photos from Good Morning Britain, promotes her books and documentaries, and supports charitable causes. Fans can follow her on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with her latest news and projects.
Lesser Known Facts About Kate Garraway
Kate Garraway’s life and career include many fascinating achievements and experiences that have helped make her one of Britain’s best-known broadcasters.
- More than 35 years in broadcasting, making her one of the UK’s most experienced television presenters.
- Started her career in local radio before moving into national television.
- Presented on ITV, BBC, Sky News, and Smooth Radio, showcasing her versatility across different media platforms.
- Competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, introducing audiences to a different side of her personality.
- Finished fourth on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2019, winning praise for her positivity and determination.
- Published bestselling books, including The Power of Hope, which inspired readers around the world.
- Produced award-winning documentaries documenting Derek Draper’s recovery journey and the realities of long COVID.
- Advocates for unpaid carers, using her public platform to encourage policy discussions and greater support.
- Known for her empathy during interviews, making guests feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics.
- Maintains a strong relationship with viewers, who have followed both her professional achievements and personal journey over many years.
- Supports numerous charitable organisations, particularly those focused on children, healthcare, and family wellbeing.
- Continues to be one of ITV’s most recognisable presenters, regularly appearing on Good Morning Britain and other special programmes.
Conclusion
Kate Garraway has established herself as one of the most respected and enduring figures in British broadcasting. From her early days in regional journalism to becoming a household name on Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio, she has built a career defined by professionalism, authenticity, and compassion.
Her openness about the challenges of caring for her late husband, Derek Draper, resonated with millions and helped raise awareness of issues affecting carers and families across the UK. In recent years, reports of a new relationship with Liam Halligan have attracted considerable public attention. While Kate has acknowledged that she is embracing a new chapter in her life, she has also made it clear that her family, career, and charitable work remain her priorities.
Whether through journalism, television presenting, bestselling books, or advocacy, Kate Garraway continues to inspire audiences with her resilience, warmth, and commitment to making a positive difference.
FAQs
Who is Kate Garraway?
Kate Garraway is a British television presenter, journalist, radio broadcaster, and author best known for presenting Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio.
How old is Kate Garraway?
As of 2026, Kate Garraway is 59 years old. She was born on 4 May 1967.
Is Kate Garraway married?
Kate Garraway was married to Derek Draper from 2005 until his death in January 2024.
Does Kate Garraway have a new partner?
Recent reports indicate that Kate Garraway is in a relationship with broadcaster and economist Liam Halligan. She has publicly described the relationship as being in its early stages.
How many children does Kate Garraway have?
Kate has two children: daughter Darcey and son Billy.
What is Kate Garraway famous for?
She is best known for presenting Good Morning Britain, her radio work on Smooth Radio, and her award-winning documentaries.
What books has Kate Garraway written?
Her best-known books include The Joy of Big Knickers and The Power of Hope.
What is Kate Garraway’s estimated net worth?
Her estimated net worth is generally reported to be between £1 million and £2 million, although exact figures have not been publicly confirmed.
Has Kate Garraway won any major awards?
Yes. She has received several television awards and was appointed an MBE for services to broadcasting, journalism, and charity.
Where can I follow Kate Garraway online?
You can follow her through her official Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook accounts for updates on her work and charitable activities.
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