'It doesn't look good at the moment' Kate Garraway's co-star gives Derek Draper health update
Kate Garraway's husband "doesn't look like he's in a good way" amid his latest health setback, according to one of her co-stars.
Jenni Falconer, who works alongside Kate on Smooth FM, wished Derek well on Tuesday morning (19.12.23), and admitted it "doesn't look good at the moment" for the 56-year-old lobbyist, who has been seriously ill since contracting COVID-19 in the early days of the pandemic in 2020.
Speaking on the Smooth FM breakfast show, Jenni said: "On behalf of everyone here at Smooth we're sending lots of love and Smooth best wishes to our very own Kate Garraway.
"Kate's husband Derek as we all know has been struggling with long-lasting damage since he suffered from COVID and it doesn't look good at the moment, it doesn't look like he's in a good way.
"So we're sending lots of love to Kate, Derek and the family ... especially at this time of the year."
Last weekend, Derek was said to be "fighting for his life after a heart attack", and Kate has reportedly cancelled all TV and radio work to keep a vigil at his bedside.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "Everyone is praying for a miracle.
"Derek suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week which has left him fighting for his life all over again.
"It was sudden and a shock as he had been doing so well and was in great spirits, looking forward to Christmas at home with the family.
"This setback has been a huge blow for his family and all the people caring for him.
"Kate is by his side 24 hours a day and is willing him on to win this latest battle for his life.
“Derek has fought so many times, and always, against all odds, come out the other side.
“Kate has been utterly incredible - by his side while being an amazing mum to Darcey and Billy, and trying to manage their expectations of a family Christmas.”
After contracting COVID in 2020, Derek spent 13 months in hospital making him Britain’s longest-suffering coronavirus victim.
Kate - who has daughter Darcy, 17, and son Billy, 14, with Derek - previously revealed her husband's health battle had left him with long-lasting organ damage and requiring 24/7 care at home.
The 56-year-old broadcaster has gone on to make two award-winning documentaries on her family’s experience living with the changes in Derek’s health.
