Kate Garraway holds back tears with tribute to Derek at NTAs

Kate Garraway said it was “bitter” not having her late husband by her side as she won a National Television Award

Kate Garraway was visibly moved as she accepted a National Television Award on Wednesday night. The 57 year old received a standing ovation for her documentary, Derek’s Story, which won in the authored documentary category.

During her emotional acceptance speech, she said: “I really genuinely did not expect this, goodness me. This is a bittersweet one isn’t it? It’s very bitter to be here, with the gorgeous Darcey and Billy.

“I promised them they didn’t have to say anything. We’re halfway through the first year of firsts really. A first Easter and first birthdays, without Derek. It’s so strange to be here for the first Television Awards without him. But, this one is for you Derek, absolutely.”

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Kate then brought forward two members of the Flicker production team who worked on the documentary. She continued: “You made a beautiful film that touched the hearts of all of you because we’ve all been vulnerable, we all struggle, we all have lost someone or are grieving someone.

“It’s ok to feel those things and it’s ok to need care and support. This one really is for all those people who cared, doctors nurses professional carers and people doing it for their youngsters, for their children and for their loved ones. We need a system that catches us when we fall not try to catch us out. I’m going to keep the fight on for all of you.”

Derek’s Story was a poignant hour-long special offering an intimate glimpse into Derek’s life, the obstacles he and his family faced, and his political career alongside his relationship with Kate. The documentary also touched on how their lives were upended when he fell ill.

In 2020, Derek fell victim to coronavirus, leading to several grievous health setbacks over time. Tragically, he passed away at the start of 2024 at 56 years old, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Prior to her accolade, an emotional Kate shared her sentiments about Derek’s absence during the National Television Awards. Speaking from the red carpet that Wednesday night, the Good Morning Britain presenter expressed her gratitude for the messages of support received.

Kate revealed: “Obviously it’s been very sad in a way, because you’d love him to be here, or even if he wasn’t well enough to be actually here then to be going home to tell him all about it. But on the other hand, he will be so happy, I think that the issues that he wanted raised are being raised and so hopefully that’s good.”

The ITV celebrity confided that her late husband would have been immensely proud of their two children, who had come to the event in his honour. About her kids, she mentioned that they: “Get very shy at these things but wanted to come.”

The National Television Awards is available to watch on ITVX.