The broadcaster and mum of two, 56, made an emotional return to the daytime series during which she thanked fans for their heartfelt messages following the death of her husband Derek Draper, also 56.
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Derek died on January 3rd from complications of long Covid.
Kate paid her last respects at Derek’s funeral on Friday, during which she made a touching tribute to her late spouse.
Less than a week later, Good Morning Britain viewers have now paid tribute to her strength after she fronted Thursday’s episode in her usual slot alongside close pal Ben Shephard.
One took to X to write: “What a strong woman she is. Welcome back Kate.”
Another wrote: “Enjoying Kate’s return. Lots of fun, laughter and love love for her colleagues.”
A third commented: “It’s absolutely incredible to see Kate Garraway back on GMB after losing her beloved Derek Draper she has shown incredible courage and strength well done Kate we love you Rest in Peace Derek Draper.”
Another then shared: “Good to see you back Kate,” as one put: “Welcome back Kate.”
A fan then put: “It’s great to have @kategarraway back on our screens.”
Another was eager to deter trolls as they wrote: “Here come the ‘Kate Garraway isn’t behaving exactly like I did when I lost my husband, therefore Kate is wrong’ tweets.
“I’m so sorry for anyone who has gone through such terrible grief but we all deal with it differently.”
Kate enjoyed a mixed show, interviewing Northern Ireland’s new First Minister Michelle O’Neill – the first nationalist to be sworn in.
She also chatted about Eurovision with close pal and entertainment reporter Richard Arnold.
On Monday, she appeared on GMB via a live video link to her London home and let her emotions flow.
Yet her co-star Richard Madeley was then slammed for “interrupting” the Smooth FM host when she opened up on the funeral service.
TOUGH WEEK
On Friday, Kate bid farewell to her spouse alongside her family, friends and GMB collegues.
Kate wore Derek’s watch during the emotional funeral, held at St Mary’s Church in London’s Primrose Hill – the same venue in which the pair got married almost 20 years ago.
Her daughter Darcey, 17, bravely helped carry the coffin as a pall bearer while her son Billy, 14, stayed close during the hugely emotional day.
Guests including Tony Blair, Elton John, Susanna Reid, Ben Shephard, Keir Starmer and Myleene Klass all sang Lord of the Dance.
Sir Elton, who had arrived with a walking stick, sang his hit Skyline Pigeon as guests visibly welled-up.
Over Christmas, we revealed how Kate kept a vigil by his bedside when he was left fighting for life in hospital.
Lobbyist-turned-psychologist Derek was one of the UK‘s longest suffering patients of Covid.
After his diagnosis he battled a variety of health problems when the virus caused brain inflammation, kidney failure, and damage to his liver and pancreas.
Yet there have been happy moments, with a resurfaced clip showing the pair embracing in a romantic dance during one happy throwback which went viral.
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