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Kate Garraway has spoken for the first time about the possibility of dating again after the death of her husband Derek Draper.
Draper died in January 2024 at the age of 56 following a long battle with severe Covid complications.
Since then, Garraway has focused on rebuilding life with her children.
But during a recent conversation on Jamie Laing’s podcast Great Company, the Good Morning Britain presenter, 58, revealed she’s beginning to think about what the next chapter might look like.
When Laing asked whether she could imagine dating again, Garraway replied: ‘Well I wouldn’t like to think that I’d never had romantic love in my life again. I think that would be rather a sad way to go through life wouldn’t it? But no, I’m not there yet. I don’t know if anybody would want me Jamie.’
She then lightened the moment with a playful challenge, telling the Made in Chelsea star: ‘Talk to your mates, find out if any of their dads are single, that’s your task Jamie.’
Laing went on to ask if she would ever consider using a dating app. Garraway laughed off the idea, saying: ‘No, course not. I don’t think I’ve ever really dated because everyone keeps asking me about dating and I don’t think I’ve ever dated in that way that you guys do.’
She admitted that the prospect of arranged meet-ups feels unnatural to her, saying: ‘I think it’s an uncomfortable thing to do to go and meet someone you’ve never met. I just end up interviewing them and struggling to get a word in edgeways.’
Reflecting on how dating culture has changed, Garraway added: ‘I’m of the old school where you lived life, did things you loved and then met people along the way. But maybe that doesn’t happen anymore.’
Garraway announced her husband’s death in January 2024, posting 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.’
![From Flicker Productions KATE GARRAWAY : DEREKS STORY Tuesday 26th March 2024, 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX Pictured: Kate and Derek at home during filming in May 2023, Following the sad loss of Derek Draper in January this year, Kate Garraway: Derek's Story, documents the final year of his life. This film follows the two previous award-winning films also made by Flicker Productions: Finding Derek and Caring for Derek. With close access to Derek and his wife, Kate Garraway, the film provides an insight into his personal struggles with illness and highlights the challenges faced by millions of people in the UK living with serious illness and disability and those who care for them. Joining Derek and Kate in May 2023, the film confronts head on the reality of Derek???s struggles and gives an unflinching view of the effect on all those around while also capturing real moments of love and joy as they spend time together as a family. With around five million unpaid carers in England and Wales, the film also highlights the often prohibitive costs as well as practical difficulties, of caring for people within their homes and features contributions from Jake, the care worker who supports Derek???s care, as well as Kathryn Smith, CEO from charity Social Care Institute for Excellence. Derek's Story also reflects on Derek???s life before Covid, including his high-profile political career, as well his relationship with Kate, their early years together and how Derek???s illness changed the nature of their dynamic while they maintained their close bond. When asked why he wanted to take part in this film, Derek said: "I want to be heard." (C) Flicker Productions For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / peter.gray@itv.com This photograph is (C) *** and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned herein. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SEI_197473331-4111.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The Good Morning Britain presenter went on to write: ‘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.’
The journalist, also 56, was married to Draper for almost 20 years.
They shared two children: daughter Darcey, 17, and son Billy, 14.
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