Kate Garraway spoke candidly about the painful and often unpredictable stages of grief during Friday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, offering an emotional reflection on the experiences that continue to affect her following the death of her husband, Derek Draper. The 57-year-old presenter was joined by her co-host Rob Rinder as they welcomed Si King from the Hairy Bikers onto the show. Si opened up about the profound loss of his best friend and longtime co-star, Dave Myers, who tragically passed away in 2024 at the age of 66.

The conversation about loss and remembrance prompted Kate to share her own deeply personal journey with grief. Derek Draper passed away on 3 January 2024 at the age of 56, nearly four years after he first became seriously ill with multiple complications caused by coronavirus. Listening to Si speak about missing Dave and cherishing their friendship struck a chord with Kate, who acknowledged how complex and non-linear grief can be.

She reflected on the common understanding of the “stages of grief,” explaining that in reality, the process is rarely straightforward. Instead of moving neatly from one stage to the next, she described how people often find themselves moving back and forth between emotions. Grief, she suggested, is something that evolves over time and can resurface unexpectedly. Certain triggers, she admitted, can instantly bring back waves of emotion, even when one feels they are coping well.

Kate revealed that for her, sensory experiences such as smells, sights, and sounds can be especially powerful reminders. She explained that these small, everyday moments can unexpectedly transport her back to memories of Derek. Addressing Si directly, she asked whether he experiences similar feelings when cooking recipes that he and Dave created together. She wondered if preparing those dishes brings back vivid memories and quiet moments of reflection about his late friend.

In response, Si shared a heartfelt perspective, saying that just because Dave has passed away does not mean he has stopped being his best friend. His words clearly moved Kate, who described the sentiment as a lovely thought. The exchange underscored the idea that bonds of friendship and love do not simply disappear with death. Instead, they continue in memories, shared experiences, and the ways people choose to honor those they have lost.

Derek Draper’s passing marked the end of an extraordinarily difficult chapter for Kate and her family. In early December 2023, Derek suffered a cardiac arrest, which led to further complications due to the severe damage his body had sustained from Covid-19 back in March 2020. His illness had been long and devastating, and Kate had openly documented the challenges they faced over the years as he battled numerous health setbacks.

At the time of his death, Kate shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram. In her emotional statement, she told followers that her “darling husband Derek” had passed away. She explained that he had been critically ill following the cardiac arrest and that the lingering effects of Covid had contributed to his declining health. She expressed gratitude that Derek had been surrounded by family in his final days and revealed that she had been by his side, holding his hand throughout his final hours.

In her message, Kate also thanked the medical teams who had worked tirelessly to save Derek and to ensure that his last moments were as comfortable and dignified as possible. She acknowledged the overwhelming support her family had received from the public and expressed deep appreciation for the kindness shown to them during such a painful time. Her tribute concluded with a tender farewell, telling Derek to rest gently and peacefully and reflecting on how lucky she felt to have had him in her life.

Her conversation on Good Morning Britain demonstrated that, more than a year later, grief remains a presence in her daily life. However, it also highlighted a message of enduring love. Through memories, shared experiences, and even the smallest sensory triggers, those who have passed away continue to hold a place in the hearts of the people who loved them. Kate’s openness served as a reminder that grief does not follow a straight path, and that it is natural for emotions to resurface in unexpected ways. In sharing her vulnerability, she offered comfort to others navigating similar journeys, showing that while loss can be overwhelming, love and connection remain lasting and powerful forces.