Kate Garraway, the 59-year-old Good Morning Britain presenter, is reportedly in a new relationship with fellow journalist Liam Halligan, a friend of her late husband Derek Draper. The rumours began after she was spotted at an Essex gig for his band.
Who is Liam Halligan?
Halligan, 57, is an economics journalist who served as economics and business editor at GB News until summer 2024. He writes a weekly column for The Sunday Telegraph and presents a podcast for the paper. He shares three children with former partner Lucy Ward, a journalist for the Guardian and the Independent.
What has Kate Garraway said?
Garraway has remained quiet about the alleged romance, but a source told The Mirror that she found the reaction 'upsetting'. After posting a picture on X featuring Halligan, she received nasty responses, with some objecting to her dating her late husband's friend.
The source said: 'She went through such heartbreak with Derek, and now she's seeing someone who is really supportive and kind to her. She just wanted people to be pleased for her – and she thinks she deserves some happiness at long last.'
'Kate tries not to read such horrible comments, but she just doesn't get the hostility. She hasn't tried to hide her relationship with Liam, and though it's still early days everyone close to her thinks she is due a happy ending. She's so upset that some people can't let her enjoy something good and positive in her life.'
Halligan's comments
Halligan addressed the rumours during an appearance on Mark Dolan's Talk TV radio show in July, saying: '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.'
He added: 'Kate and I are good friends, it's early days, we'll see what happens.'
The Sun reported they have been seeing each other for the last three months. Earlier in July, they both travelled to Italy, with an insider saying: 'Liam asked Kate to join him; she was happy to oblige. It will be quite low-key, but they are hoping to be able to spend some time together and enjoy the Italian cuisine.'
