Kate Garraway confirms return to work date so husband Derek ‘can hear her voice’

Resilient Kate Garraway will return to the radio in a week as she continues to get her life back to normal.

Her husband Derek Draper remains in a minimally conscious state in hospital after contracting coronavirus in March.

He may no longer have the disease but the damage it has caused has been extensive, and doctors don’t know when – or even if – he’ll be able to fully recover.

Kate has vowed to get back to work and in July she was back in the presenter’s chair on Good Morning Britain.

She says it’s great to be back – and a telly return has given her extra strength.

Derek has plummeted to a jaw-dropping eight stone since being rushed to hospital five months ago.

But now, in another encouraging step, she will return to Smooth Radio a week on Monday.

Her regular programme has been hosted by Myleene Klass, who will return to her usual Saturday afternoon show.

The station say they are delighted to have her back.

Kate said: “I’m delighted to be returning to my morning show on Smooth and to my Global family who have been a big support to me.

“Things are still hugely challenging and a long way from being normal, but I’d like to think that this will give Derek yet another opportunity to hear my voice as well as many of the songs we both love.

“My heartfelt thanks go to Myleene Klass who has been brilliantly caretaking the show for me and to all my regular listeners for their messages of support.

“I can’t imagine there’s a more relaxing job to return to and I’m really looking forward to getting back into the studio.”

Smooth managing editor Sally Ardis said: “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Kate back to her regular morning show.

“She has been missed by the whole team here, as well as by listeners, who have been keeping in touch with her to show their support.”

Kate, who has grown in strength during the most testing of times, said she’s been “consumed with fear” throughout Derek’s illness but has to pull herself together for the kids.

*Kate will be back on Smooth Radio on Monday September 14 for her 10am-1pm show