British television presenter Kate Garraway was overcome with emotion as she accepted a National Television Award for her powerful documentary, Derek’s Story, during Wednesday night’s ceremony.
The Good Morning Britain host received a warm standing ovation as she took to the stage to accept the award in the authored documentary category. The documentary detailed the final chapter of her late husband Derek Draper’s life, who passed away earlier this year after a long battle with complications from COVID-19.
Standing alongside her children, Darcey and Billy, Garraway spoke candidly to the audience, her voice trembling with emotion. “I honestly didn’t expect this — goodness me,” she began. “This one is truly bittersweet, isn’t it? It’s a very tough moment to be here, but I’m so proud to be standing with my gorgeous Darcey and Billy. I promised them they wouldn’t have to speak tonight.”
She continued, reflecting on how her family is navigating life without Derek: “We’re in the middle of our first year of ‘firsts’ — our first Easter, our first birthday, without him. And now this is the first time we’re attending the Television Awards without Derek. It feels surreal.”
Earlier in the evening, while speaking to the media on the red carpet, Garraway shared heartfelt thoughts about how strange it felt to attend such a career-defining event without her husband by her side. She acknowledged the touching support she’s received from the public, saying the messages, emails, and letters had been deeply comforting.
Speaking to the PA news agency, she said, “The comments and support I’ve received have been truly lovely. Of course, there’s a sadness — I’d give anything for Derek to be here. And if not here in person, at least at home waiting for me to come back and tell him all about it. But I do believe he would be pleased — pleased that the issues he cared about, the things he wanted people to understand, are finally getting the attention they deserve. That gives it meaning.”
Garraway’s documentary has resonated with viewers across the UK, praised not only for its vulnerability but also for its broader message about long-term illness, care, and the emotional toll of the pandemic on families.
The evening was both a personal and professional milestone for Garraway, whose journey has been followed closely by the public since Derek first fell ill in 2020. While the moment was marked with tears, it was also filled with love, gratitude, and a powerful sense of purpose.
