GMB star Kate Garraway has broken her silence over her absence from the show as her father recovers from a stroke.
Just six months after the death of her husband Derek, Kate has found herself caring for her father, who was recently hospitalised.
Two weeks ago, it was reported that Kate’s father Gordon had suffered a stroke and suspected heart attack.
Now, Kate is taking some extended time away from our screens. Today (July 31), she was noticeably absent from her usual morning slot on GMB. Ranvir Singh is also reported to be stepping on for her tomorrow as a result of her time off.
Kate Garraway ‘caring for her dad’
“Very sadly, Kate’s father collapsed earlier while staying, along with her mum and her brother, in Cornwall,” a source claimed at the time.
“It was incredibly frightening as he was found unconscious and immediately taken to hospital. Kate rushed to be by his and her mum’s side minutes after GMB finished on air. It seems likely that he’s had a stroke and possibly a heart attack as well,” they then added.
However, thankfully he is now in a stable condition but remains in hospital, Kate has said.
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Kate breaks silence with Instagram post
Posting on Instagram this afternoon, Kate said: “Hi all – sorry I disappeared from here when my Dad collapsed & rushed to hospital 2 weeks ago while having a holiday with my Mum at my brother’s.
“It was very scary but am so pleased that he is now stable & even recovering a bit in hospital – we have so much to be grateful for, but are taking it a day at a time.
“Huge thanks to the incredible nhs staff for their endless kindness & the heart they put into the care of all their patients which has meant so much to my mum & all our family.”
She then went on to thank her “incredible friends”. Kate continued: “Huge thanks too to my incredible friends @itv & @smoothradio particularly @ranvirtv @charlottehawkins1 @tinahobleyofficial @myleeneklass for yet again changing their plans to cover for me so I could put my family first.
“Luckily I also had some weeks leave booked. So I have been able to support my Mum & Brother & be with my Dad while also giving Darcey & Billy some summer fun on their school holidays. Which of course they really need.
“Am hoping to be back on @gmb & @smoothradio on Monday. So can update more then. But for now sending love to you all.”
GMB’s Susanna Reid commented: “Such a relief for your lovely Dad and your whole family. Loads of love to you all, always.”
Smooth Radio co-star Myleene Klass added: “Glad your Papa is okay. Love you.”
Kate Garraway on ‘pre-arranged leave’ from GMB
ED! had earlier asked ITV for comment. They said: “Kate is on pre-arranged leave this week.”
A source also added: “Kate is due to be off work for a few weeks anyway so she can divide her time between the hospital whilst simultaneously looking after Darcey and Billy.
“After the horrible, heartbreaking year they’ve had, it’s so important to Kate that they try and have a normal summer break.”
Read more: GMB star Iain Dale rushed to A&E and in intensive care awaiting operation amid ‘acute pain’
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