It may be only October, but Kate Garraway has got into the festive spirit for a Christmas themed photoshoot.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, slipped into a number of glamorous outfits as she spoke to Woman & Home about the importance of making her first Christmas without husband Derek Draper ‘fun and happy’ for the sake of their two children.
Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus.
Kate looked stunning in the selection of accompanying shots for the December issue, showing off her figure in a pale cream dress before wowing in a silver jumpsuit.
The TV favourite also rocked some fun party dresses as she sipped on a cocktail and posed by a Christmas tree.
It may be only October, but Kate Garraway has got into the festive spirit for a Christmas themed photoshoot
Kate looked stunning in the selection of accompanying shots for the December issue, showing off her figure in a pale cream dress before wowing in a silver jumpsuit
The presenter, 57, spoke about the importance of making her first Christmas without husband Derek Draper ‘fun and happy’ for the sake of their two children (pictured 2019)
Despite the fun shoot, Kate spoke openly about the difficulties the family will face around the festive period after the loss of Derek but looks forward to creating ‘new memories’ alongside their children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 15.
‘This Christmas will be difficult, as all the firsts are, but I’ve said to the kids, “Let’s do what feels right, do some new things and make new memories”, she said.
‘You’ve got to try and let things evolve into new memories, and I’m going to be led by them.’
The TV favourite went on recalling the recent Christmases before Derek’s tragic death – which were also quite ‘challenging’ due to his illness.
‘It will be our first Christmas without Derek, but to be honest, the last four or five Christmases have been challenging, although we’ve also had the joy of having Derek there with us.
‘I hope I won’t be blubbing all day, but I’m sure there will be emotional moments. However, I want it to be fun and happy for Darcey and Billy because it’s been a tough few years for them. Maybe they’ll think, “At least Dad’s out of pain”.’
She could not remember fondly the sweet Christmas memories the family shared together, including driving to Derek’s parents’ house, where they rated all the village’s Christmas lights as they drove through them.
Kate had previously paid tribute to Darcey after she received her A-Level results in August, seven months after the death of Derek.
The TV favourite also rocked some fun party dresses as she sipped on a cocktail and posed by a Christmas tree
Despite the fun shoot, Kate spoke openly about the difficulties the family will face around the festive period after the loss of Derek
‘This Christmas will be difficult, as all the firsts are, but I’ve said to the kids, “Let’s do what feels right, do some new things and make new memories”,’ she said
Kate said it will be a ‘tough’ Christmas but looks forward to shape ‘new memories’ alongside her children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 15
Read the full interview in Woman & Home
And Darcey ensured her father was still with her by packing a family photo, taken before he was struck down with the illness in March 2020, and one of his favoured Panama hats.
Sharing a video of the teenager’s departure with Instagram followers, Kate revealed the unframed photo and the hat previously worn by Darcey at Wimbledon on the backseat of her car as it sat on the kerb outside their north London home.
Captioning the clip, she wrote: ‘And just like that she was off! That tiny helpless baby we brought home from hospital 18 yrs ago has gone to #uni!
‘Just like thousands of other parents this weekend I was playing that game of jenga trying to get it all in the car. Thank goodness my beloved Victor has a massive boot!
She added: ‘Such an emotional moment on so many levels & boy is the house quiet. But Darcey we couldn’t be prouder of you starting this new chapter in your life & know your Dad is with you all the way.’