Kate Garraway's Good Morning Britain absence explained as fans show concern for presenter

It's been an emotionally turbulent year for much-loved television presenter Kate Garraway so far, and after she was notably absent from her presenting slot earlier this week, fans were left worried.

Back in January, the Good Morning Britain frontwoman, 56, tragically lost her husband Derek Draper following a long and difficult battle with Covid-related health complications.

The former politician and father-of-two was first diagnosed with coronavirus in March 2020 and was subsequently left fighting for his life.

Derek, also 56, suffered the likes of kidney failure, brain inflammation, liver damage and a heart attack until his heartbreaking passing on 5 January this year.

Within a matter of weeks, however, a devastated Kate surprised fans by returning to her 6.00am presenting role, insisting that coming back to work would help her get through this difficult time.

"I don't know how it's going to be," she bravely spoke of her incoming return back in January. "Grief isn't containable in a day or year. People ask why I'm going back to work. Life has to start. We have to pick ourselves up and go on."

And since then, the mother-of-two - who shared daughter Darcey, 17, and son Billy, 14, with her late husband - has fronted the hit ITV news show on several occasions.

Instagram/@kategarraway

Earlier this week, however, fans were left riddled with concern for Kate, who was noticeably absent from Wednesday's early-morning instalment.

Instead, fellow presenter Ranvir Singh led the show after offering Kate her well wishes on X.

Worry for the star went on to sky-rocket when it was announced that Kate had been forced to skip her usual Smooth Radio show the same day.

"Missing @kategarraway on @ gmb Hope ur feeling better soon xx," tweeted one viewer.

This morning, however, Kate's GMB co-stars Adil Ray and Charlotte Hawkins have finally lifted the lid on what caused the star to skip her professional commitments.

ITV

Viewers were somewhat relieved to hear that Kate was simply feeling a little under the weather, with the duo sent their best wishes to their colleague, confirming she was 'unable to speak'.

Charlotte teased: "She would be here today but she's lost her voice. She's all well but she can't speak."

Adil went on to joke: "She's lost her voice, she's been too influential in the past year."

Get well soon, Kate!