Kate Garraway is said to be smiling again after growing close to broadcaster Liam Halligan, two years after the devastating loss of her husband Derek Draper.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 58, has reportedly built a close bond with Halligan, a man she has known for around two decades and who was also a friend of Derek’s. Their connection is said to have deepened in recent weeks, with friends describing their growing friendship as a bright spot after the heartbreak Kate and her family have endured.
At the weekend, Kate was seen in Halligan’s home town of Saffron Walden in Essex, where she joined him at The Railway Arms pub while he performed with his band, The Hooligans. According to onlookers, the pair appeared comfortable and happy in each other’s company, with one source saying there was plenty of singing, dancing and a warm atmosphere throughout the evening.
A friend said Kate and Liam “really enjoy one another’s company” and explained that he has been making her laugh at a time when life has been incredibly difficult. The source added that Kate is not putting pressure on what this might become, saying, “Maybe it will, maybe it won’t, but it’s complicated.”
Those around her are said to be pleased to see this softer, happier side of Kate re-emerging. One friend shared that it has been “really tough” for her since Derek’s death, especially while continuing to support their two children as they all navigate their grief. But with Liam having known both Kate and Derek for many years, friends believe the connection comes from a place of trust, shared history and genuine understanding.
Another source claimed that Halligan introduced Kate to friends and neighbours during the outing, and that many people who met her afterwards were talking about how close the pair seemed. Kate has also reportedly been seen at Liam’s home several times in recent weeks, further fuelling talk that their friendship may be becoming something more meaningful.
Derek Draper died in January 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest, following a long and devastating battle with serious health complications after contracting Covid in March 2020. Kate had cared for him through the most difficult years of his illness while raising their children, Darcey, 20, and Billie, 16.
Halligan, 56, is an award-winning journalist and single father. He previously served as economics and business editor at GB News and now writes for The Sunday Telegraph. He is separated from journalist Lucy Ward, with whom he shares three children.
Kate had already hinted in late 2025 that she had not closed the door on love forever. Speaking on Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast, she admitted she would not want to think she would “never have romantic love” in her life again, though she also made clear she was not fully ready at that point.
She joked with Jamie, “Talk to your mates, find out if any of their dads are single. That’s your task, Jamie,” while also saying she had no interest in dating apps and still believed in meeting someone naturally through life.
Now, those closest to her are simply hoping she has found a reason to smile again. As one friend put it, “Kate has been through so much, she is so loved and we just want her to be happy. We love to see her smile.”
