GRIEF ON AIR Emotional moment Derek Draper’s close friend has to break the news of his death live on TV

DEREK Draper's close friend Ian King was forced to break the news of his death in a live TV broadcast today.

The Sky News anchor was behind the desk when Derek's devastated widow Kate Garraway announced his passing on social media.

In a breaking bulletin, Ian remained composed as he said: "I'm afraid it's terribly sad news. Derek Draper, the husband of television presenter and journalist Kate Garraway and of course a well-known figure in British politics of the last 25 years, has died."

He added: "I was at university with Derek more than 30 years ago, I considered him a great friend. My condolences to the family."

Kate wrote movingly of losing Derek and his final moments in an emotional statement.

It is understood he died at a north London hospital on Wednesday.

She wrote on Instagram: "I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.

It comes as...

• Derek's last photo shows him with the GMB presenter as she received an MBE
• Kate revealed she held her husband's hand as he died
• Kate's co-stars including Susanna Reid have led tributes to the dad-of-two
• Derek's health battles revealed after he suffered heart attack before Christmas

"As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

"Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.

"I have so much more to say, and of course I will do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.

"Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support. Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life."

Tributes have flooded in for Derek led by Kate's celebrity pals.

Her Good Morning Britain co-star Susanna Reid said: "Our whole hearts are with you all."

Sir Elton John wrote: "So sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family x".

While This Morning's Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary shared their support for Kate shortly after the announcement was made.

Alison said: We just want to say all of us here at This Morning are sending our love to you Kate and of course [Kate and Derek's children] Darcy and Billy."

Derek had suffered devastating health problems after contracting the virus at the start of the pandemic in 2020.

He was placed in an induced coma after contracting the virus and was placed on a ventilator.

Derek later became the nation's longest suffering Covid patient after spending 13 months in hospital.

Since being discharged in 2021, Derek has been readmitted to hospital on numerous occasions.

He was diagnosed with "life-threatening" sepsis and a kidney infection, which Kate later described as "dramatic but under control".

Since being discharged in 2021, Derek has been readmitted to hospital on numerous occasions.

He was diagnosed with "life-threatening" sepsis and a kidney infection, which Kate later described as "dramatic but under control".