London, UK – September 28, 2025 – Kate Garraway, the beloved Good Morning Britain star, has revealed how her stint on The Celebrity Traitors became a life-changing “reset” after the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Derek Draper, in January 2024. In an exclusive, tear-jerking interview with The Sun, the broadcaster opens up about how the BBC’s star-studded reality show – filmed in the Scottish Highlands with icons like Jonathan Ross and Stephen Fry – allowed her to confront her grief head-on. Alongside candid reflections on raising teenagers Darcey and Billy as a single mum and batting away wild fake news about her love life, Kate’s raw honesty is leaving fans in awe and inspired.

A Healing Escape in the Highlands

Kate, 58, signed up for The Celebrity Traitors not for fame or cash, but for a chance to hit pause on a life turned upside down. Derek, her husband of 19 years, died at 56 from complications of a 2020 Covid infection, leaving Kate as the sole provider and full-time carer for their children, Darcey, 19, and Billy, 16. Filming at Ardross Castle for over a month meant no phones, no internet, and no contact with the outside world – a daunting prospect for a news junkie and devoted mum. “Leaving the children seemed impossible,” Kate admitted, crediting her sister-in-law Di for stepping in to care for Darcey and Billy.

The intense game, a high-stakes whodunit, became a sanctuary. “You couldn’t think about anything else,” she said. “It was extraordinary.” Alone moments, though, cracked open her grief. On her birthday, a producer suggested she write down her hopes for the future and reflect on Derek – then burn the paper in a “hippy-dippy” ritual. “There was not a chance in hell I would have done that at home,” Kate laughed, noting it unleashed emotions she’d buried to focus on her kids. “It felt like my hard drive had been wiped. It was massive.”

Navigating Single Motherhood: “I Have Even More Admiration for Single Mums”

Since Derek’s death, Kate’s juggled her Good Morning Britain and Smooth Radio gigs – the latter boasting 2.9 million weekly listeners – with parenting teens through their grief. Darcey’s move to a new university in 2024 was bittersweet. “Last year was emotional – it should’ve been Derek and me taking her,” Kate shared. This time, they chatted about Derek on the drive, his presence lingering in phrases Darcey and Billy echo. “It triggers me,” she admitted, “but I’m pleased Darcey’s passionate about law now.”

As a single-income household, Kate’s faced financial strain, especially after funding Derek’s care. “I have even more admiration for single mothers,” she said, praising GMB colleague Ranvir Singh’s resilience. “It’s a shift, and it’s not fun, but you get on with it.” Amid ITV’s January reshuffle, with Good Morning Britain extending its hours, Kate remains optimistic: “It feels like business as usual.”

Fake Dating Rumors: “Hilarious” AI Mix-Ups and a Kevin Costner Lookalike?

Romance? Not yet. Kate roared with laughter over fake news claiming she’s dating, including an AI-generated mash-up of co-star Ben Shephard’s face with a colleague, and a friend’s husband dubbed a “hunky Kevin Costner lookalike.” “I can confirm we are not dating!” she quipped. The rumors sparked deeper thoughts, though. “I wouldn’t like to think I’d spend the rest of my life without love, but it feels preposterous now,” she said, still cherishing her and Derek’s “home life pottering.” Dating apps? “I’m so private – I can’t imagine it.” Instead, she’s focusing on rebuilding her social circle: “I’m going to start going for drinks with friends, not just as a mummy.”

A New Mission: TheSharing.Life to Combat Loneliness

Kate’s turning pain into purpose with TheSharing.Life, a free, non-profit network to support those facing life-altering challenges. “Going through this publicly has been a massive advantage – people contact me, and I feel less lonely,” she explained. The platform will collate stories and offer practical and emotional advice, starting with caregiving. “Everyone goes through these life-changing experiences – I want to help people who feel alone,” she said.

Her kids are thriving – Darcey’s law studies get a boost from GMB’s Rob Rinder, a “close” friend who’s been a rock since Derek’s illness. Billy, meanwhile, is navigating “full-on Mum hen-pecking” with teenage charm. “We’re in a good place,” Kate beamed, hopeful for new chapters.

Fans in Tears: X Lights Up with Support

The interview’s raw honesty has fans emotional. #KateGarraway is trending with 20,000+ posts on X, with users writing: “Kate’s strength is unreal – grieving Derek while raising kids? Hero.” Another added: “That Traitors reset sounds healing. We love you, Kate!” Some roasted the fake dating rumors: “AI Ben Shephard? LMAO, leave Kate alone!”

As The Celebrity Traitors hits BBC screens soon, Kate’s tight-lipped on the drama but promises it’s “amazing.” Her journey – from caregiving to reality TV catharsis – is a testament to resilience. “All’s well that ends well,” she said. “If it’s not well, it’s not the end.”

What’s your take on Kate’s emotional Traitors journey? Inspired by her single-mum strength or cracking up at the AI boyfriend rumors? Drop your thoughts below and tune into Good Morning Britain (ITV1, 6am weekdays) and Mid Mornings with Kate Garraway (Smooth Radio, 10am-1pm). Keep shining, Kate! 💪❤️