Kate Garraway has spoken out for the first time after her dad was rushed to hospital two weeks ago and she disappeared from her usual daytime TV slots.
The Good Morning Britain broadcaster, 57, dropped out of the ITV morning programme a fortnight ago after reports that her father Gordon had suffered a suspected stroke and heart attack.
Updating followers, Kate took to social media today and said that while Gordon is ‘stable’ they are ‘taking it a day at a time’.
She wrote in full: ‘Hi all – sorry I disappeared from here when my Dad collapsed & rushed to hospital 2 weeks ago while having a holiday with my Mum at my brother’s.
‘It was very scary but am so pleased that he is now stable & even recovering a bit in hospital – we have so much to be grateful for, but are taking it a day at a time.
‘Huge thanks to the incredible NHS staff for their endless kindness & the heart ♥️ they put into the care of all their patients which has meant so much to my mum & all our family.
‘Huge thanks too to my incredible friends @itv & @smoothradio particularly @ranvirtv @charlottehawkins1 @tinahobleyofficial @myleeneklass for yet again changing their plans to cover for me so I could put my family first.
‘Luckily I also had some weeks leave booked so I have been able to support my Mum & Brother & be with my Dad while also giving Darcey & Billy some summer fun on their school holidays which of course they really need.
‘Am hoping to be back on @gmb & @smoothradio on Monday so can update more then but for now sending love to you all.’
After Kate rushed to be by his side earlier this month – and remained off-air ever since – a source told The Sun: ‘Very sadly, Kate’s father collapsed earlier this week while staying, along with her mum and her brother in Cornwall.
‘It was incredibly frightening as he was found unconscious and immediately taken to hospital.
‘Kate rushed to be by his and her mum’s side minutes after GMB finished on air. It seems likely that he’s had a stroke and possibly a heart attack as well – doctors are still doing tests.
‘He remains in hospital and is currently stable but, understandably, it’s given the whole family a terrible scare and they are praying he can recover.’
Her dad’s health scare comes a few weeks after Kate said she was ‘barely holding it together’ following the death of her husband Derek Draper, who died in January after a three-year battle with complications related to Covid-19.
She added that she was trying to ‘celebrate life’ and spoke about turning 60 in a few years.
‘I’ve got my TV make-up on now so I look OK,’ she said. ‘But I really can’t believe I’m hurtling towards 60! I’m very much celebrating life now, whatever the age. I don’t know whether I’ll do a party yet. Derek passed away so recently so it’s just one step at a time.’
She also revealed that the support shown from colleagues on TV and radio was ‘like having another family.’
Hot Property Picks from Metro
Bed in conservatory listed as 'studio flat' to rent for £1,200 per month
We bought an uninhabited island for £24,000 — it was a lot cheaper than a house deposit
The former owners of my house asked to look inside 30 years on — my answer shocked them
London’s ‘secret’ village with ‘stunning views’ named one of UK’s best to live in
Nuclear bunker with Renaissance-style interiors could be yours for £15,000
Sharing updates a few months after his death, Kate revealed she was at ‘the beginning of grief’ and was facing ‘many ups and downs’ but was trying to focus on their two children, Darcey, 18, and Billy, 14.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Huge Coronation Street and Emmerdale schedule shake-up as ITV rivals Olympics coverage
MORE : Good Morning Britain star in intensive care after being rushed to hospital
MORE : Emmerdale star Charley Webb stages TV return
Share this with