Revealed: Kate Garraway is 'smiling again' after growing close to a broadcaster friend - two years after the tragic death of her husband

• Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk

Kate Garraway is 'smiling again' after growing close to fellow broadcaster Liam Halligan, two years after her husband tragically died.

The Good Morning Britain host has formed a close friendship with Mr Halligan, who she has known for 20 years, the Daily Mail can reveal.

He was also a friend of Ms Garraway's late spouse, Derek Draper.

At the weekend, the television presenter joined Mr Halligan in his home town of Saffron Walden in Essex.

She was seen 'getting cosy' with him at The Railway Arms pub – where he was performing with his band, The Hooligans.

It comes after Ms Garraway recently appeared on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors – an experience she described as 'transformative' following her husband's death.

One of her friends told the Daily Mail: 'Kate has formed a close friendship with Liam and they really enjoy one another's company.

'They met through friends. Liam makes her laugh, he is very funny and they've been hanging out with their close circle of mates. Kate doesn't know if it will go anywhere. Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but it's complicated.

'It has been really tough for Kate since Derek died, and she is a mother to two children and they are all still grieving.

'But they have known one another for 20 years. Liam knew Derek. They have so many friends in common. It's lovely to see Kate smiling again.'

Mr Halligan introduced Ms Garraway, 58, to his friends at the pub where a source said: 'Everyone was having a great time, there was a lot of singing and dancing.'

Ms Garraway was also introduced to Mr Halligan's neighbours.

The source added: 'A lot of the neighbours are talking about it after being introduced to Kate. She and Liam looked really into each other and seemed very happy. She has been spotted quite a few times at Liam's home in recent weeks.'

In January 2024, former political lobbyist and psychotherapist Mr Draper died of a cardiac arrest after becoming seriously ill with Covid in March 2020.

Ms Garraway had cared for him at their north London home, where she still lives with their children Darcey, 20, and Billie, 16.

Award-winning journalist and single father Mr Halligan, 56, was previously economics and business editor at GB News and currently writes a column in The Sunday Telegraph.

He is separated from his partner, journalist Lucy Ward. They have a son and two daughters, Maeve and Ailis, who play with him in his band.

In December last year, Ms Garraway discussed her dating prospects following the tragic loss of her husband – who she married in September 2005.

Speaking to Jamie Laing on his Great Company podcast, Ms Garraway revealed she was ready to have romance in her life again. She also indicated she was looking for 'any single dads'. 

Ms Garraway said: 'I wouldn't like to think that I'd never had romantic love in my life again.

'I think that would be rather a sad way to go through life, wouldn't it? But, no, I'm not there yet. I don't know if anybody would want me.'

She then teased: 'Talk to your mates, find out if any of their dads are single. That's your task, Jamie.' 

But Ms Garraway revealed that she was not interested in using a dating app, adding: 'I'm of the old school where you lived life, did things you loved and then met people along the way. But maybe that doesn't happen any more.'

Now Ms Garraway's circle are thrilled she seems to be living on the bright side of life again.

A friend of Ms Garraway told the Daily Mail last night: 'Kate has been through so much, she is so loved and we just want her to be happy. We love to see her smile.'