Kate Garraway has admitted that her first Christmas without her late husband Derek Draper is going to be ‘difficult’.

During a candid chat for Woman & Home’s December issue, the Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, said it will be a ‘tough’ Christmas but looks forward to shape ‘new memories’ alongside her children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 15.

Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus.

He was one of the country’s longest-suffering coronavirus patients and remained in hospital for more than a year, but never fully recovered after the virus left long-lasting damage to his organs.

Kate admitted the festive period will bring pain – although she intends to cherish new beginnings.

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Kate Garraway has admitted that her first Christmas without her late husband Derek Draper is going to be ‘difficult’

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Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at the age of 56 from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus (pictured in 2019)

‘This Christmas will be difficult, as all the firsts are, but I’ve said to the kids, ‘Let’s do what feels right, do some new things and make new memories,’ she said.

‘You’ve got to try and let things evolve into new memories, and I’m going to be led by them.’

The TV favourite went on recalling the recent Christmases before Derek’s tragic death – which were also quite ‘challenging’ due to his illness.

‘It will be our first Christmas without Derek, but to be honest, the last four or five Christmases have been challenging, although we’ve also had the joy of having Derek there with us.

‘I hope I won’t be blubbing all day, but I’m sure there will be emotional moments. However, I want it to be fun and happy for Darcey and Billy because it’s been a tough few years for them. Maybe they’ll think, ‘At least Dad’s out of pain.’

She could not remember fondly the sweet Christmas memories the family shared together, including driving to Derek’s parents’ house in Chorley – where they rated all the villages’ Christmas lights as we drove through them.

Kate had previously paid tribute to Darcey after she received her A-Level results in August, seven months after the death of her father, Derek.

And Darcey ensured her father was still with her by packing a family photo, taken before he was struck down with the illness in March 2020, and one of his favoured Panama hats.

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Kate said it will be a ‘tough’ Christmas but looks forward to shape ‘new memories’ alongside her children Darcey, 18, and Billy, 15

Sharing a video of the teenager’s departure with Instagram followers, Kate revealed the unframed photo and the hat previously worn by Darcey at Wimbledon on the backseat of her car as it sat on the kerb outside their north London home.

Captioning the clip, she wrote: ‘And just like that she was off! That tiny helpless baby we brought home from hospital 18 yrs ago has gone to #uni!

‘Just like thousands of other parents this weekend I was playing that game of jenga trying to get it all in the car. Thank goodness my beloved Victor has a massive boot!

She added: ‘Such an emotional moment on so many levels & boy is the house quiet. But Darcey we couldn’t be prouder of you starting this new chapter in your life & know your Dad is with you all the way.’

Commenting on the post, Good Morning Britain co-host Charlotte Hawkins wrote: ‘Best of luck Darcey – have an amazing time!’

TV presenter Carol Vorderman added: ‘Wishing your girl all the happiness in the world on her new adventure.’

Meanwhile Carol Wright – mother of former The Only Way Is Essex stars Mark and Jessica, and young model Natalya – wrote: ‘Wishing her all the luck in the world. But as much as your proud your heart aches from when one of them leave your home.

‘I’ve had three leave so far and every time I have cried and felt empty. One more to go which I am holding on to with every part of me but I know she will leave soon as it’s a part of independence and growing up. Happy uni days for Darcy.’

Darcey received her results in August, with Good Morning Britain star Kate – who is also a parent to son Billy – admitting the teenager ‘did the best she could’ after a difficult year for the family.

In a lengthy post, Kate said Derek ‘would be proud’ of their daughter, and shared that they visited his grave to share her results with him.

Taking tp Instagram, she wrote: ‘Congratulations to all who got their #alevel results this week – huge achievement – even if you’re disappointed in the results – don’t be – you made it to the end and life has a way of working itself out in the best way for you.

‘Darcey got her results on another one of those firsts this year – Derek’s birthday. She didn’t get what she might have done but hey did better than any of us feared under the circumstances.

‘I couldn’t be prouder of her & know her Dad would be too. We went to Dad’s grave to ‘tell’ him before she went out to celebrate with friends.’

She added: ‘I’m at home & just noticed the roses I planted with @itv @loveyourgarden especially for derek so we could wheel him out to enjoy the fragrance have suddenly burst into bloom! . They haven’t flowered all summer.

‘So am just enjoying the incredible fragrance combined with the mint & raising a mug of tea to Derek – darling we did it – your beautiful daughter is in her way to her next stage in life thanks to your love & guidance and you will live on through her.