Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard are known for their brilliant working relationship on Good Morning Britain, celebrating 20 years of friendship earlier this year.
However, the 53-year-old presenter revealed Ben, 45, has also proved a pillar of support since her husband Derek Draper fell ill earlier this year, helping in any way he can.
Derek, also 53, tested positive for coronavirus in March and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later admitted to intensive care.
The dad-of-two has since woken up from an induced coma, but remains in a state of “minimum consciousness” because the virus has tragically wreaked havoc with his internal organs.
In November, Derek made a breakthrough in his recovery and mouthed his first word in over 200 days – uttering the word “pain”.
Kate confessed Ben has been a brilliant friend throughout the ordeal
During an interview with The Mirror this week, Kate confessed Ben has been a brilliant friend throughout the ordeal, branding the Tipping Point star as “phenomenal”.
She told the publication: “For 20 years, Ben’s had to do so much for me but this year’s been another level.
“He’s been trying to do everything he can to help – it’s been a huge pressure on him.
Kate claimed Ben had faced “huge pressure” in being a great friend to her during the year
“Working alongside somebody you’re worried about, plus also trying to do the job… it’s a huge thing. I’m aware how tough it’s been for him.”
Ben has also spoken highly of Kate’s strength and optimism throughout the traumatic year, comparing her family set-up to his own.
While Kate is proud mum to Darcey, 14, and Billy, 11, Ben and his wife Annie have two teenage sons of their own – Sam, 13, and Jack, 15.
Speaking on Dave Berry’s podcast Dadpod, Ben praised Kate’s “positivity” in returning to work and putting on a brave face as Derek remains in hospital.
Kate’s husband Derek was admitted to hospital with coronavirus in March of this year (Image: Daily Star, Daily Mirror, Daily Express)
He said: “Going through Covid, one of my very good colleagues Kate has been very seriously affected in her family and Billy and Darcy are similar ages to Sam and Jack and they’re good friends…”
“The support and the outpouring of love and generosity of spirit from the British public has been incredible…
“When you see how she’s approached it, when you see the positivity which she’s taking it.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
