Kate Garraway Celebrates New Job Contract While Opening Up About Heartbreaking Financial Struggles
Good Morning Britain star Kate Garraway has shared her excitement after signing a new two-year contract with Smooth Radio. The popular presenter will continue hosting her show in the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. slot, a position she’s held with great enthusiasm.
In an Instagram video, Kate was seen in the studio as a crew member delivered her contract. Upon learning it was a two-year extension, she joked: “You fools, you fools!” before adding, “That’s really, really good, where do I sign? Sign it quickly before they take it back. You’re stuck with me now for another two years, thank you for listening”, according to Birmingham Live.
The news comes during a challenging year for Kate, who is navigating life after the tragic loss of her husband, Derek Draper. Derek passed away earlier this year at the age of 56 after battling long-term effects of Covid-19, a fight that left Kate facing significant financial challenges.
The GMB presenter has been candid about her financial struggles, revealing that she fell into £1.5 million in debt due to Derek’s extensive care costs and overdue tax payments. She previously shared that she was spending £16,000 a month on Derek’s treatment, a burden that quickly mounted.
In a heartfelt moment on Good Morning Britain, Kate told a guest who was struggling financially: “You need every penny of that pension. I’m doing something similar myself. I’ve just had to withdraw the bit you can tax-free from my pension to pay belated bills for my husband that passed away. I am ashamed of the fact that I am in debt because I have an incredible job that I love, that’s very well paid.”
In her ITV documentary Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story, she opened up about the overwhelming costs. “Derek’s care costs more than my salary from ITV, and that is before you pay for a mortgage, household bills, or anything for the kids. We are at a crunch point. I am in debt.”
Despite her challenges, Kate remains grateful for her career and uses her platform to shed light on the financial struggles many carers face. “If it is like this for me, what is it like for everybody else?” she questioned, highlighting the gaps in the healthcare system.
Her new contract with Smooth Radio offers some stability as she continues to balance her career and personal life. Fans have rallied around Kate, celebrating her professional achievements and admiring her resilience.