Kate Garraway furiously hits back after Derek Draper documentary backlash

14 March 2024 , 08:36

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Kate Garraway has hit back at trolls who have slammed her for doing a new documentary about her late husband Derek Draper, who died earlier this year (Image: ITV)

Kate Garraway has hit back at trolls over her new Derek Draper documentary.

Derek passed away earlier this year, leaving behind his wife Kate and their children Darcey and Billy. Kate will now front a new documentary, called Kate Garraway: Derek's Story, which will document his final year of life. Kate appeared on Good Morning Britain today, where she spoke about her reason for doing a new documentary and explaining its importance.

Susanna began by reading a letter from a viewer called Pip, who said they understood why Kate wanted to tell Derek's story. She then went on to read a message from Pip, who said that their husband's final wish was to have the story of his fight with cancer, his family's care for him and also the plight of his carers told to everyone. In his eulogy, Pip honoured his wishes.

Speaking about the backlash and trolling over her new documentary, she said: "I've had a few comments on Twitter saying, 'oh for goodness sake, what now?' and I knew that would happen because people don't understand and they probably haven't been through that situation maybe that Derek has experienced and millions of others do.

Kate had been caring for Derek since he fell ill and until his death earlier this year (ITV)

"I hope that people understand why. It is important not to just walk away from something just because the person for whom made it very relevant to our family life isn't there. It wouldn't be right for Derek. I hope people understand and I hope they find it helpful. There are moments of joy in there too as there always were along the way. Hopefully it'll be good."

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Ed Balls then said it would be "upsetting" to viewers to find out Kate was being trolled. She replied back: "I get a huge amount of love so it's fine to get a little bit of hate along the way as well because people can express their opinions. I just knew some people would say that but for the millions of people it would help, and Derek and the children, it felt the best thing to do."

After announcing the documentary, Kate revealed it was Derek's wish to have a third episode as he "wanted to be heard".

When asked why he wanted to take part in this film, Derek said: "I want to be heard," as Kate added: "Obviously when we started making this documentary early last year, we had no idea the events that would unfold that ultimately took Derek from us. And in January 2024, I wondered if it was right that it should ever come to air. But I didn’t want to let those who have given us so much support over the last four years down, and the carers paid and unpaid who in their thousands of letters to me, feel Derek’s story has given them a voice. Also, I remembered so vividly that the idea of making this third documentary at all came from Derek himself."

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Jasmine Allday