This Morning's Alison and Dermot lead emotional tribute for Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper

Earlier today, television presenter Kate Garraway announced the tragic passing of her 'darling' husband Derek following a four-year long battle with Covid.

Derek - the former Labour lobbyist who she married back in 2005 - had suffered some serious medical complications since he contracted Covid-19 back in 2020 including kidney failure, brain inflammation and liver damage.

Within minutes of 56-year-old Kate telling her fans, her ITV co-stars Alison Hammond and Dermot O' Leary paid an emotional tribute to Derek, also 56, live on This Morning.

Alison told viewers: "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 this as a tribute."

Dermot then read out a statement posted to Kate's Instagram account this morning: "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.

"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."

Alison and Dermot then concluded their statement by saying: "We just wanna say all of us here at This Morning are sending our love to you Kate, Darcey and Billy."

The official This Morning Instagram account has also paid tribute to the former politician.

Both Good Morning Britain presenter Kate and Derek caught Covid-19 early in the pandemic but while her case was mild, her husband was hospitalised and placed into a coma.

While he was previously discharged on a trial basis back in April 2021, Derek was readmitted to hospital wards multiple times with Kate remaining fairly consistent in issuing updates on his health to the public since.

It was reported last month that the former politician has suffered a 'massive heart attack' that had left him 'fighting for his life'.

Rest in peace, Derek.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677