Kate Garraway has reportedly been left devastated by the negative reaction to her new relationship with journalist Liam Halligan, just two years after the death of her husband Derek Draper. The Good Morning Britain presenter, 59, has faced a wave of cruel social media comments since going public with Halligan, with some accusing her of 'milking' her late husband's death and others criticising her for dating a friend of Draper.
Romance confirmed after years of friendship
Garraway and Halligan, 57, were first romantically linked earlier this year after she was spotted at his band's gig in Essex. The couple have since confirmed their relationship, sharing a photo together at a mutual friend's birthday party last week. They have known each other for two decades, and Halligan was also a friend of Draper, who died in January 2024 following a long battle with the after-effects of Covid-19, which Garraway documented in a series of award-winning ITV documentaries.
Despite the passage of time, some social media users have taken issue with the new romance, flooding the comments section of Garraway's X post from July 24 with harsh words. The post, which featured a video of Halligan, was met with accusations that she had 'milked' her husband's death, while others questioned the appropriateness of dating a friend of her late spouse.
Friends defend Garraway's right to happiness
A source close to Garraway told The Mirror that the negative reception has been 'upsetting'. They 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.' The source added: '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.'
Halligan's public comments on the relationship
Halligan, who served as economics and business editor at GB News until the summer of 2024, previously addressed the romance rumours during an appearance on Mark Dolan's Talk TV radio show in April. 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.' He continued: '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 added: 'Kate and I are good friends, it's early days, we'll see what happens.'
Public support and private pain
The couple have been spotted on trips to France and Italy this year, suggesting their relationship is progressing. However, the online backlash has cast a shadow over their happiness. Garraway's representative has been contacted for comment, but the presenter has not yet publicly addressed the criticism. Fans have rallied to her defence, with many pointing out that she has every right to move on and find love again after such a devastating loss.
The situation highlights the intense public scrutiny that celebrities face when navigating personal relationships, especially after a highly publicised bereavement. Garraway's documentaries about Draper's illness and death were praised for their sensitivity and honesty, but they also made her a target for online trolls. Despite the negativity, those close to her insist that she is in a good place and that Halligan has been a source of support and kindness.
Looking forward
As Garraway continues her work on Good Morning Britain, she remains focused on moving forward. The source concluded: 'She deserves some happiness at long last.' With the support of her friends, family, and fans, Garraway is determined to enjoy her new relationship, even as she navigates the challenges of public opinion.
