The 'Good Morning Britain' team has sent love to Kate Garraway after her husband Derek Draper was hospitalised.

Kate Garraway is by her husband's side

Kate Garraway is by her husband's side

The 55-year-old presenter pulled out of Thursday's episode (21.07.22) of the ITV breakfast show to be with her husband, who is said to be in a "very serious condition" as he continues to suffer following his battle with COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic.

An ITV spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: "Kate is taking some time off work over the next few days, and is hoping to be back to her normal presenting duties as soon as possible."

On Thursday morning, Kate's co-stars Ben Shephard and Charlotte Hawkins paid tribute to their fellow presenter.

Ben said: "We are missing a member of the team, aren’t we?"

Charlotte replied: "We are, yes. So Kate’s not here. She’s taking some time out to be with Derek at the moment so we’re sending her lots of love.

"Lots of you have been in touch with messages of support, so we wish him well."

Ben added: "Thank you for those messages, we’ll definitely pass them on. You know how much Kate appreciates all the support that she gets and fingers crossed Derek will be home as soon as possible."

Kate's 54-year-old husband contracted COVID at the beginning of the pandemic, and at one point was in a coma and unable to get out of bed, speak and care for himself.

Regarding his hospitalisation, source told The Sun newspaper: "[Derek] has been taken back to hospital this morning in a very serious condition.

“The family are very worried about him but Derek is in the best hands.

“Kate is by his side and is keeping it together as best she can. She’s a total professional and devoted to her work – both on Good Morning Britain and Smooth - but she had no choice but to step away this week to be there with him.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for her and their family.”