Kate Garraway, the 59-year-old Good Morning Britain presenter, is reportedly in a new relationship with economist and journalist Liam Halligan, a friend of her late husband Derek Draper. The couple, who have known each other for two decades, have been seen together in recent weeks, sparking speculation about their romance.
Who is Liam Halligan?
Liam Halligan, 57, is an economics journalist who served as the economics and business editor at GB News until the summer of 2024. He also writes a weekly column for The Sunday Telegraph and hosts a podcast for the paper. He shares three children with his former partner, fellow journalist Lucy Ward, who writes for the Guardian and the Independent.
Halligan has a long career in financial journalism, having worked as a correspondent for the Financial Times in the late 1990s. He has also appeared on various news programs, offering economic analysis and commentary.
How did the relationship rumors start?
The rumors began after Garraway was spotted attending a gig by Halligan's band at an Essex pub in July. On July 25, she was photographed at a friend's birthday party alongside Halligan, prompting The Sun to report she was 'hard launching her relationship'. The pair have also been seen together in Italy, where they traveled earlier in July.
According to a source, Halligan invited Garraway to join him in Italy, and she was happy to oblige. The trip was described as 'low-key', with the couple hoping to spend time together and enjoy Italian cuisine.
What has Kate Garraway said about the relationship?
Garraway has remained quiet about the alleged romance, but a source told The Mirror that she has found the reaction to the relationship 'upsetting'. After she posted a picture on X featuring Halligan, she received nasty responses, with some users objecting to her dating her late husband's friend.
The source said: 'She went through such heartbreak with Derek, and now she's seeing someone who is really supportive and kind to her. She just wanted people to be pleased for her – and she thinks she deserves some happiness at long last.'
'Kate tries not to read such horrible comments, but she just doesn't get the hostility. She hasn't tried to hide her relationship with Liam, and though it's still early days everyone close to her thinks she is due a happy ending.'
'She's so upset that some people can't let her enjoy something good and positive in her life.'
What has Liam Halligan said?
Halligan addressed the romance rumors during an appearance on Mark Dolan's Talk TV radio show in July. He said: 'I've known Kate for a long time. I knew her late husband Derek, of course I did; I was a correspondent for the Financial Times in the late nineties.'
'In recent years, for different reasons we've both ended up single, against our wishes I should say. And so, in recent weeks and months Kate and I have become good friends.'
He explained that they were reintroduced by mutual friends and that Garraway and other friends came to see his band play at an Essex pub. He added: 'Kate and I are good friends, it's early days, we'll see what happens.'
Host Mark Dolan wished the couple 'every happiness' and said he had assumed Halligan would not be so candid about the speculation.
Background on Kate Garraway and Derek Draper
Garraway lost her husband Derek Draper two and a half years ago, following a long battle with the after-effects of Covid-19. She documented his illness in a series of award-winning ITV documentaries, which highlighted the challenges faced by long Covid patients and their families.
Since Derek's death, Garraway has appeared on Celebrity Traitors, where she delivered a memorable side-eye to Tom Daley. She has spoken about how the show was 'transformative' after a period of profound sadness and loss.
Public reaction and support
The news of the relationship has divided public opinion, with some expressing support for Garraway's happiness, while others have criticized her for dating a friend of her late husband. The Sun reported that the couple have been seeing each other for the last three months.
A source told The Sun: 'Liam asked Kate to join him; she was happy to oblige. It will be quite low-key, but they are hoping to be able to spend some time together and enjoy the Italian cuisine.'
Metro has contacted Kate Garraway's representative for comment on this story.
