Tributes are pouring in for the husband of Kate Garraway after she confirmed the death of her husband Derek Draper.
In an update on her Instagram page Kate wrote: "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.
READ MORE:Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper dies aged 56 after long health battle
"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."
Derek was 56, and had been fighting a long battle with coronavirus and had recently had a heart attack. His wife Kate Garraway.
Andrew Nuttall
'Something very special about Derek'
The celebrity world has continued to pour out support to Kate and her family but so has the world of politics. Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair led the tributes, describing Draper as a "good colleague and great friend".
He said: “I am so sad to hear the news about Derek. My heart goes out to Kate and their children William and Darcey.
“It is extraordinary and remarkable that Derek survived so long after the ravages of Covid. And that was in large measure due to the love Derek had for his family and they for him. This also says something very special about Derek."
Derek, aged 56, was a prominent figure in New Labour during the 1990s. Alastair Campbell, a fellow prominent New Labour figure in the 1990s, described Derek Draper as “a huge character” when posting on X (Twitter): “Very sad to hear the news about Derek Draper.
"He was a huge character, a giver not a taker, and had so much more to give before Covid took its toll. Sad above all for @kategarraway and the children. Their love and support was profound and unshakeable to the end. RIP”.
Andrew Nuttall
'A great big, warm, fun man'
Martin Lewis, who appears on Good Morning Britain, issued a statement on X (Twitter) in response to Kate's Instagram post about Derek. He wrote: "I'm sad to hear of Derek Draper passing.
"We had a few dinners out together with Kate and Derek and he was also a great big, warm, fun man. That's how he should be remembered – he would've liked the attention :).
"Wishing Kate and the family love and ease through the pain. I hope they are left to grieve in peace & privacy, and the end of this tragic chapter lets them move on and recover the joy in their lives."
Andrew Nuttall
Who is Derek Draper?
Lancashire-born Derek Draper worked as a political advisor and lobbyist but took a stint as a psychotherapist in the United States after retraining in the late 1990s following the 'lobbygate' scandal. He also worked in the media industry briefly as a columnist for the Daily Express and a presenter on Talk Radio UK.
He married Kate Garraway in 2005 and the couple have two children together – Darcey and Billy. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which saw the 56-year-old contract the virus and suffer long-lasting symptoms, he has been in and out of hospital whilst receiving round-the-clock care.
Andrew Nuttall
Kate and Derek were 'the loveliest family'
Loose Women's panel shared a touching message to Kate Garraway on Friday's show, after the sad news her beloved husband Derek Draper had died. Led by Kaye Adams, viewers were told: "We are gonna start today with the saddest of news. This morning, Kate Garraway announced the death of her husband Derek Draper."
She went on to say: "We have all been moved by Kate and her family's journey over the last few years, and are so full of admiration with how they dealt with incredible challenges."
Co-star Linda Robson said she was neighbours with the couple for years before saying that Kate and Derek, who share two children, were "the loveliest family".
Andrew Nuttall
Support to Kate and family
More stars shared their support on the Instagram announcement, including Kerry Katona, writing: "Sending you all my love and strength to you and your family".
Dr Alex George, of Love Island fame, said: "I am so so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family." Whilst singer Ronan Keating commented: "So sorry Kate. Sending love to all your family.
Andrew Nuttall
This Morning hosts 'sending our love'
News of Derek's death was announced during Friday's broadcast of This Morning, hosted by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary. Updating viewers, they said: ""Now we have some really sad news to bring to you. Derek Draper, the husband of our very own Kate Garraway, has sadly passed away. Kate has just posted a tribute on Instagram."
"Derek has sadly passed away and was the husband of our dear friend Kate. We just want to say all of us at This Morning are sending our love to you Kate and of course Darcey, and Billy."
Andrew Nuttall
Tributes pour in
Singer and pianist Elton John said: "So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family."
Pussycat Doll and Heart radio presenter Ashley Roberts wrote: "Sending so much love". Line of Duty actress Vickey McClure said: "So so sorry to hear this Kate. Sending all my love to you and your family."
Andrew Nuttall
ITV colleagues share support
Susanna Reid, posting on the Instagram tribute that Kate Garraway issued, wrote to her Good Morning Britain colleague and friend: "Our whole hearts are with you all". Richard Arnold, GMB's entertainment editor, said to Kate that Derek would be: "By your side always" followed by a love heart emoji.
More stars have shared their sympathy including ITV's Lorraine Kelly, who said: "So sorry Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love."
Andrew Nuttall
Health battle has been ongoing for years
Derek was rushed to hospital just before Christmas in a "very serious condition" after having reportedly suffered a major heart attack that left the 56-year-old "critically ill".
He has suffered with his health since contracting COVID in March 2020.
Kate McMullin
Kate Garraway confirms death of husband, aged 56
Derek Draper has died at the age of 56, following a long battle with coronavirus, and a recent heart attack.
TV presenter Kate Garraway announced the news on her Instagram page today.
Read the full story here.