Kate Garraway is reportedly taking a gentle new step forward in her personal life, after joining her new boyfriend Liam Halligan on what has been described as their first holiday together.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 59, is said to have travelled to Italy with Liam, 57, over the weekend as he headed to Europe for work. According to reports, he asked Kate to come along, with the trip expected to remain low-key rather than a grand public getaway.
For many fans who have followed Kate’s journey over the past several years, the news carries an emotional weight. Kate had been single since the passing of her husband, Derek Draper, in January 2024, following his long health battle after Covid. Her devotion to Derek and their family became one of the most moving public stories in British television.
Now, two years on, the presenter appears to be allowing space for a new kind of happiness while still carrying the love and memory of Derek with her. Reports have made clear that Liam was also known to Derek, and that he and Kate have shared a friendship stretching back around two decades.
A source told The Sun that Liam had been travelling to Italy and invited Kate to join him. The same source suggested the break would be quiet and relaxed, with the pair hoping to spend time together and enjoy Italian food while away.
Kate Garraway has jetted off on her first holiday with her new boyfriend, Liam Halligan, two years after her husband tragically died (Kate pictured with Liam in May)
Kate had been single since the death of her husband Derek in January 2024, following his debilitating four-year long battle with Covid (pictured together in 2019)
The trip comes after Liam publicly acknowledged the connection between them, describing a “definite spark” as the relationship continues in its early stages. Writing in his Spectator column, the economic journalist joked about suddenly finding himself in showbiz headlines after years spent in the business pages.
He said that although he and Kate come from different corners of the media world, they have a great deal in common, including a shared sense of humour. His comments gave a rare glimpse into the warmth between them, while still keeping the tone careful and grounded.
Kate has not spoken publicly in detail about the romance, but Liam recently said that the pair had become good friends after both finding themselves single in recent years for reasons they had not chosen. On Talk TV, he said it was still early days and that they would see what happens.
Rumours first began when the pair were seen together in Saffron Walden, Essex, in March. They were later pictured looking close during a night out at The Railway Arms pub, where Liam, a father of three, performed with his band.
The relationship drew more attention in May when Kate supported Liam during the Duchenne Dash, an annual charity cycle ride to Paris. Photos from the event showed the pair smiling and sharing easy, affectionate moments, fuelling speculation that their long friendship had become something more.
Liam, pictured performing with his band The Hooligans, has known the Good Morning Britain host for 20 years
A source previously told the Mail on Sunday that Kate was feeling excited and “giddy,” and that it had been lovely for her friends and family to see. The same source stressed that she would never stop loving Derek and was still grieving, but was finding a way to be happy again.
That balance is what makes this story so tender. For Kate, this does not appear to be about closing one chapter and pretending it never happened. It is about learning how life can hold grief, loyalty, memory and fresh hope at the same time.
Her public journey since Derek’s illness and passing has been marked by honesty, exhaustion, courage and fierce love. Viewers saw her continue working, parenting and campaigning while carrying a private pain that became deeply familiar to many families across the UK.
That is why this reported Italian trip has touched so many people. It is not simply a celebrity holiday story. It is the image of someone who has lived through an extraordinary emotional storm being allowed, gently and without judgement, to smile again.
As the relationship remains in its early days, Kate and Liam appear to be keeping things measured. But for those who have wished Kate peace after years of heartbreak, this new update feels like a quiet reminder that joy can return slowly, carefully and beautifully.
