Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper has died aged 56

Kate Garraway's husband, Derek Draper, has sadly passed away at the age of 56.

She shared the news in an Instagram post today (5 January), adding she was 'by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours'.

Both 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.

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

Kate's heartbreaking Instagram statement began: "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."

The ITV presenter assured fans: "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."

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.

Tributes have since flooded in for Derek with one Instagram user commenting on Kate's post: "So sorry to read this. You have gone through so much and were wonderful support for Derek."

A second penned: "This is a heartbreak. Sending so much love and strength to you and your children. May he now be at peace and look over you all with so much pride."

"My heart is broken for you Kate. Sending all my love to you and the kids," a third chimed in.

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