For months now there have been rumours that Kate Garraway is in a relationship with fellow journalist Liam Halligan.
The whispers began after she was spotted attending an Essex gig for his band.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 59, lost her husband Derek Draper two and a half years ago, following a long battle with the after-effects of Covid-19, which she documented in a series of award-winning ITV documentaries.
Since then, Garraway appeared on Celebrity Traitors (inducing maybe the best side-eye ever from Tom Daley) and has spoken about how ‘transformative’ it proved after a period of profound sadness and loss.
Garraway has reportedly known Halligan for two decades, and he was also a friend of her late spouse, but the pair are said to have grown close lately.
On July 25, Garraway was photographed at a friend’s birthday, along with Halligan, prompting The Sun to claim she was ‘hard launching her relationship’.
But who is Halligan and is he really in a relationship with Garraway?
Who is Liam Halligan?
The 57-year-old is an economics journalist who previously served as the economics and business editor at GB News until the summer of 2024.
He has also written a weekly column for The Sunday Telegraph and presents a podcast for the paper.
He shares three children with his former partner and fellow journalist Lucy Ward, who writes for the Guardian and the Independent.
What has Kate Garraway said about their relationship?
Garraway has remained quiet about the alleged new romance, but a source told The Mirror that she has found reaction to the relationship ‘upsetting’.
After posting the picture on X featuring Halligan, Garraway received nasty responses, with some users objecting to the fact she is dating her late husband’s friend.
The source said: ‘She went through such heartbreak with Derek, and now she’s seeing someone who is really supportive and kind to her. She just wanted people to be pleased for her – and she thinks she deserves some happiness at long last.
‘Kate tries not to read such horrible comments, but she just doesn’t get the hostility. She hasn’t tried to hide her relationship with Liam, and though it’s still early days everyone close to her thinks she is due a happy ending.
![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/2026/04/SEI_195964138-7cae.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘She’s so upset that some people can’t let her enjoy something good and positive in her life.’
One half of the speculated couple noted last month that it’s ‘early days’, but they are going to ‘see what happens’.
Halligan said as much when he addressed the romance rumours during an appearance on Mark Dolan’s Talk TV radio show in July.
Referring to Garraway, Halligan said: ‘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.’
He went on to say that the pair were reintroduced by mutual friends, then adding of their weekend spotted at the Essex pub: ‘Kate and a lot of friends came to see my band play.
‘It turns out some of my neighbours were excited that she was in the pub and posted some pictures.’
He continued: ‘Kate and I are good friends, it’s early days, we’ll see what happens.’
Host Dolan wished the couple ‘every happiness’ and said he had assumed Halligan would not be so candid when asked about the speculation.
Last month, The Sun reported they have been seeing each other for the last three months.
Earlier in July, the pair both travelled to Italy, and an insider explained at the time: ‘Liam asked Kate to join him; she was happy to oblige.
‘It will be quite low-key, but they are hoping to be able to spend some time together and enjoy the Italian cuisine.’
Metro contacted Kate Garraway’s representative for comment on this story.
This article was originally published on April 15.