The presenter spoke on Good Morning Britain

Kate Garraway has given a positive update on her husband Derek Draper’s condition following his long battle with Covid-19.

Derek was admitted to intensive care with coronavirus during the first lockdown, having to remain in hospital for over a year as a result of the damage the virus caused to his body. He became the longest hospital stay of any Covid patient in the UK, and is now in recovery and rehabilitation at home.

Speaking on Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain (15 September), Kate provided viewers with an update of his progress. She said: “His eyes lit up. We are very clear now that he does understand everything really, and understands everything that I tell him about.

“He can’t respond still and communicate, and Derek’s been having lots more tests of things. We went to hospital a few weeks ago, (which was) the first time he’d seen medics outside of the home.”

She added: “They asked him to hold his breath and release his breath, he did absolutely everything they asked of him. Also just reactions to things and reactions to the children, his responses are appropriate. It does really feel that way as if he is reacting.”

Kate also took the opportunity to thank everyone for their continuing love and support since his diagnosis. “I think it’s reflecting on that double thing of living with it and reporting on it,” she said.

“I think coming in here and the support from all of you has been amazing. I think it’s been very helpful when talking to political (figures) and talking to people who have been affected in all different ways.

“Not necessarily an asset I would have wanted to have,” she added.

Kate’s documentary Finding Derek, which detailed his journey with Covid-19 and how she and her children have coped, won a National Television Award this month. She has confirmed that she will be doing a follow-up program.