Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway spent her first ever Christmas without her husband Derek, who died in January this year.

Kate Garraway has bravely opened up about spending Christmas without her husband for the first time. Taking to social media, the ITV presenter made an emotional confession to her followers on Christmas Day.

Uploading a snap of herself from the BBC’s On Christmas Night, the journalist recounted the story of the first Christmas from Luke’s Gospel, when angels appeared before the shepherds, proclaiming the news of Jesus’s birth.

She penned on Instagram: “On @bbc1 this #christmasday I was lucky enough to give the scripture reading from Luke for #onchristmasnight as St Mary the Virgin church in London where Derek and I had our first date , married and then we finally said goodbye at his funeral.

“Not an easy day for any of us who are missing someone we have lost , but I hope you have had some comfort in treasured memories as I have and knowing they would want us to celebrate the joy of life.

“So grateful to share it with my lovely parents and brother and nieces and Darcey and Billy ofcourse – love and comfort to you all. Merry Christmas!”

Many of her followers flocked to the comments section to wish her festive good wishes on such a hard day. One person commented: “You are one amazing and inspiring woman!”

A second chimed in: “Beautiful words from a strong unique lady, lots of love coming your way for you and all your family xxx.”

A third also typed: “Kate you are amazing Can’t imagine how you keep going ! You must take time for yourself, you so deserve it !”

A fourth also penned: “You are a special lady. Through all adversity, you come up a bright shiny star. Kudos to you.”

Kate Garraway and her two children – Darcey and Billy (Image: Getty)

The Good Morning Britain presenter’s spouse passed away in January after a prolonged struggle with the long-term impacts of Covid.

Derek, a former political advisor and author, suffered severe effects from the virus for over three years, causing damage to all his major organs. He and Kate were married for 19 years and have two children, Darcey and Billy.