Liam Halligan, a broadcaster and close friend of Kate Garraway, has spoken out for the first time following reports that the pair have grown close. Halligan, who has known Garraway for over 20 years and was also a friend of her late husband Derek Draper, addressed the speculation on Mark Dolan's Talk Radio show.
Halligan confirmed they have become good friends in recent months, saying: "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." He added that they are both single "against our wishes" and that it is "early days" for any potential relationship.
The rumours began after Garraway was seen at The Railway Arms pub in Saffron Walden, where Halligan's band, The Hooligans, was performing. A source told the Mail that Garraway was "getting cosy" with Halligan, but a friend described it as a "close friendship" and noted that it is "lovely to see Kate smiling again."
Halligan explained that Garraway and friends came to watch his band play, and neighbours posted pictures, sparking the speculation. Garraway, who lost her husband Derek in January, has previously spoken about the possibility of finding love again, saying she is "of the old school" where you meet people through life's activities.
