Kate Garraway appeared blissfully happy as she stepped out with her new man, economist Liam Halligan, in their first public display of affection since confirming their relationship. The Good Morning Britain presenter, 59, was seen beaming as she supported Liam, 57, at the start of his 300km charity tandem bike ride from London to Paris.
A New Chapter for Kate Garraway
The pair were photographed sharing a giggle, with the smitten-looking TV star whispering affectionately into Liam's ear. He then wrapped an arm around her as he showed her an image on his phone. The couple, who have known each other for years, are said to have grown close earlier this year. When asked about a blossoming romance last month, Liam said: "It's early days, we'll see what happens."
It is understood to be the mum-of-two's first relationship since the death of her husband Derek Draper due to Covid complications in 2024. Speaking on Mark Dolan's Talk Radio show in April, Liam said: "I've known Kate for a long time. I knew her late husband Derek, of course I did, I was a correspondent for the Financial Times in the late nineties. In recent years for different reasons we've both ended up single, against our wishes I should say. And so, in recent weeks and months Kate and I have become good friends. We were reintroduced having known each other back in the day by mutual friends."
Kate's Heartbreaking Journey
Kate has endured a heartbreaking few years in her personal life, as she said goodbye to her husband of 18 years, Derek, after years of ill health. Former political adviser Derek died aged 56 in 2024 just weeks after a cardiac arrest. He had been hospitalised for over a year following a coronavirus diagnosis in 2020, becoming the UK's longest hospitalised patient with the virus. In an emotional letter announcing his passing, Kate said: "Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."
In February 2025, a brave Kate discussed life after Derek in an interview with Hello! magazine. While she didn't directly address the prospect of dating again, she said she felt her late husband would not want her sat at home every night. "Derek would want me to be grabbing life, because you learn how fast, and how easily, it can be snatched away," she said. "I know he'd be saying, 'You've got to get out and live, because I can't'."
Finding Love Again
When asked about letting another man into her life, she said: "Honestly, I don't feel as if I can. It's a weird one, because I wouldn't like to think I'd spend the rest of my life without love, but also it feels preposterous at the moment to think of being with anyone else." Kate said she thought it would be 'sad' to go through the rest of her life without experiencing romantic love again. "I'm not there yet. I don't know if anybody would want me," she said. However, it seems the TV presenter has finally found reason to smile with friend Liam, as the pair look forward to a new chapter together.
