Kate Garraway has told how she has been playing her husband Derek Draper Sir Elton John’s songs while he continues his coronavirus recovery in hospital.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, said the songwriter has been so ‘personally kind’ to her during Derek’s battle with the disease, after he offered to help the couple when her husband was first admitted to intensive care in March.
Kate spoke about her special connection to Elton’s songs in the December issue of Woman & Home, where she appeared with her fellow female Smooth FM presents to discuss their Christmas plans and favourite festive tracks.
Candid: Kate Garraway has told how she has been playing her husband Derek Draper Elton John songs while he continues his coronavirus recovery in hospital (pictured in the December issue of Woman & Home)
She said: ‘One of the artists that we play a lot on Smooth is Sir Elton John. I love Step into Christmas.
‘And it feels particularly special this year because he’s been so personally kind to me about the situation with Derek [Kate’s husband Derek remains in hospital after contracting coronavirus in March], and we’ve been playing Elton’s music to Derek while he’s been in hospital.’
Kate previously revealed on Good Morning Britain that Elton had reached out to her to offer any assistance he could give during the trying time.
Kate and Derek share their two children, Darcey, 14, and 11-year-old William, and the family are facing their first Christmas without him as he remains in hospital.
Marriage: The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, said the songwriter has been so ‘personally kind’ to her during Derek’s battle with the disease, after he offered to help the couple when her husband was first admitted to intensive care in March
Thank you! Kate spoke about her special connection to Elton’s songs in the December issue of Woman & Home , where she appeared with her fellow female Smooth FM presents to discuss their Christmas plans and favourite festive tracks
Discussing the need to come together this festive season, Kate said: ‘There seems to be a general feeling this year that we need Christmas and New Year more than ever.
‘We need things to feel like they’re moving forward because it’s been such a strange and tough year.
‘All the things we love about Christmas – family, loved ones, indulgence and getting together – having been restricted for so long, it makes it even more precious this year. ‘
She said: ‘One of the artists that we play a lot on Smooth is Sir Elton John. I love Step into Christmas’
Kate went on to discuss some of her other Christmas classics, and said: ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas is such an emotional song. And the part Through the years, We all will be together, If the fates allow makes me cry. ‘
‘This Christmas particularly, where we don’t know what circumstances we’ll be in with lockdown, it feels especially appropriate.’
Kate added she has strong links to Wizzard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday, as the band used to come at play at GMTV every Christmas Eve – something which she is keen to bring back.
Kate was joined in the festive issue by Smooth alum, Tina Hobley, Jenni Falconer, Margherita Taylor, and Angie Greaves.
Alongside the interview, the hosts dressed up in a selection of dazzling gold gowns, while Kate was sporting an elegant feathered number.
Tina, 49, admitted she was prepared to have ‘seven Christmases’ this year, due to the restrictions and her large family.
She said: ‘My biggest concern about Christmas this year is how I’m going to be able to see all my family. If we have rule of six restrictions again, then a highlight will be that it will be Christmas Day for about seven days because we’ll have to do it with different family members. I’d better order seven turkeys!’
Plans: Jenni, 44, offered a run down on her Christmas Day which includes opening presents in pyjamas and a long dog walk
Meanwhile, Jenni, 44, offered a run down on her Christmas Day which includes opening presents in pyjamas and a long dog walk.
She said: ‘We always leave out mince pies, carrots, whisky and wine for Santa the night before, then on Christmas Day, we usually open our presents in our pyjamas, and then we’ll go for a big walk with the dog.
‘Staying in is definitely the way forward once you have children. In fact, we often have friends come over and bring the kids, so it’s a family get-together.’
The December issue of Woman & Home is out now.
Cover girl: The December issue of Woman & Home is out now (pictured Motsi Mabuse)