Kate Garraway, a well-known TV presenter, expressed her deep sadness at the National Television Awards (NTA) as she mourned the absence of her late husband, Derek Draper, who lost his life after a tragic battle with Covid. At the prestigious awards ceremony, Kate Garraway, visibly moved, accepted a National Television Award for her documentary ‘Derek’s Story’, shedding light on her husband’s health struggles. Despite receiving a standing ovation for her poignant documentary, she revealed her sorrow that Derek was not able to witness the acclaim firsthand. Speaking to the press before the event, Kate shared her sentiments, expressing sadness that Derek wasn’t well enough to attend.
She shared, “The comments I’ve had and the emails and the letters have been so wonderful, and so obviously it’s been very sad in a way, because you’d love him to be here,” she said. “Or even if he wasn’t well enough to be actually here then to be going home to tell him all about it.” Kate also mentioned that their children, Darcey and Billy, who accompanied her to the awards ceremony, were shy but wanted to be there. She described their presence as “wonderful” and reflected on how proud Derek would have been of them.
The documentary highlighted the final year of Derek’s life before his passing in January at the age of 56 due to the long-term effects of Covid. Kate Garraway expressed her belief that Derek would have been proud of their children and the awareness raised by the documentary. Despite facing tough competition from notable figures like David Beckham and Robbie Williams, Kate was surprised to win the authored documentary category.
During an emotional acceptance speech, Kate expressed her mixed emotions, stating, “I really genuinely did not expect this, goodness me. This is a bittersweet one, isn’t it?” She shared her feelings of loss and the challenges of facing milestones without Derek by her side. The 2024 NTAs witnessed various winners and surprises, including recognitions for popular shows like Mr Bates vs The Post Office and familiar faces like Ant and Dec.
The awards ceremony, broadcast live by ITV, took place at the O2 London on September 11, where Kate Garraway’s touching tribute to her late husband resonated with many. Despite the bitter moments, Kate’s win was a testament to the impactful storytelling in ‘Derek’s Story’. As the evening unfolded, celebrating achievements in television, Kate’s emotional journey left a lasting impression on the audience.
The NTAs recognised outstanding talents in the industry, showcasing a mix of emotions and surprises. Kate Garraway’s heartfelt acknowledgment of her husband’s absence and her children’s presence added a personal touch to the event. The glamour of the awards night was juxtaposed with poignant moments as stars reflected on their journeys and achievements. Amidst the glitz and glamour, Kate Garraway’s tribute to Derek Draper stood out, reminding everyone of the power of storytelling and the strength found in sharing personal struggles.