Kate Garraway was visibly emotional at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night, September 11, as she accepted the prestigious award for her documentary about her late husband Derek Draper.

Kate’s two children, Darcey, 18, and Billy, 15, were by their mother’s side during this touching family moment. Fans even noticed Kate’s daughter making a heartfelt gesture towards her younger brother, reports the Daily Record.

Darcey, who lost her father Derek Draper earlier this year after a four-year struggle with Covid and other health problems, was seen comforting her younger brother at the glamorous event at London’s O2 Arena. This happened as Kate delivered an emotional speech after winning the award for her poignant documentary about the challenges of caring for her late husband.

When it was announced that Derek’s Story – which chronicled the final year of their late father’s life – had won the Best Authored Documentary award, the cameras focused on siblings Darcey and Billy, who radiated pride at their mother’s accomplishment.

Viewers noticed Darcey affectionately massaging her brother’s shoulders as he was overwhelmed with emotion during this unforgettable moment.

Kate Garraway won an award at last night’s NTAs -Credit:ITV
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Kate received the award, dedicating it to her late husband and all the carers across the UK. She insisted they don’t receive enough recognition for their hard work, something she experienced first-hand while caring for Derek during the last year of his life.

Kate began her touching speech by saying: “This is a bittersweet one isn’t it? It’s very bitter to be here, with the gorgeous Darcey and Billy. I promised them they didn’t have to say anything. We’re halfway through the first year of firsts really. A first Easter and first birthdays, without Derek. It’s so strange to be here for the first Television Awards without him.”

Earlier in the evening, Darcey and Billy graced the red carpet alongside their mother. The teenager impressed in an elegant polka dot dress as she took photos with her younger brother, who was smartly dressed in a black tuxedo.

Darcey Mary Draper, Kate Garraway and Billy Draper during the NTAs -Credit:Getty Images for the NTA’s
Following Darcey’s red carpet appearance, X previously known as Twitter saw a surge of fans expressing their support for the youngster. One fan enthused, “Kate Garraway’s daughter is so beautiful and so strong already. She is going to grow into an incredible young woman,” Compliments continued to pour in, with another stating: “Wow! Darcey Draper is stunning. Her dad would be so proud of her.”

Another remarked: “Those two kids have been through so much. They’ve not only lost their father, but they’ve lost him in front of the whole world. They are both a credit to Kate and of course, their late dad Derek.”

Kate’s emotional acknowledgment at the National Television Awards followed a heartfelt homage she paid to Derek on Tuesday to commemorate what would have been their 20th wedding anniversary. On that day, Kate had posted a video reflecting on the significance of the date.

Reflecting on a poignant milestone, she shared: “Today would’ve been my 20th wedding anniversary to Derek. I mean, it still is my 20th wedding anniversary to Derek, it’s just one of those days that we’ve talked about, like Christmas to come, Easter. All of those things – his birthday – where you really feel a punch to the stomach.”

She also said: “This one, particularly, I’ve been feeling really sorry for myself, I’m afraid, because it’s such a personal thing. The others are as much, when he was here, made about the family, friends, all of that, whereas this day is so particularly special to him and I. The fact that he’s not here makes me feel very sad and notice his absence like a roaring, roaring train.

“I’ve been leaning into the grief, as everyone says you have to, and I’ve been re-reading some of his lovely anniversary messages on previous cards which I feel so grateful to have had that kind of romance and love in my life. I’m so lucky.”