Kate Garraway has taken an important step forward in her personal life by enjoying her first holiday with new boyfriend Liam Halligan, more than two years after the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Derek Draper.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 59, travelled to Italy over the weekend alongside the respected economist and journalist, 57, during one of his work trips.
The couple are believed to have been dating for around three months, although they have shared a friendship stretching back two decades. Liam was also a close friend of Derek before his death.
According to reports, Liam invited Kate to accompany him while travelling for work in Europe, giving the pair the opportunity to spend some quiet time together.
A source said: “Liam was travelling to Italy and asked Kate to join him, she was happy to oblige. It will be quite low-key, but they are hoping to be able to spend some time together and enjoy the Italian cuisine.”
The romantic escape comes shortly after Liam publicly acknowledged the growing connection between them, admitting there is a genuine chemistry despite their careers taking different paths within the media industry.
Their relationship first attracted public attention in May when Kate supported Liam during the Duchenne Dash charity cycling event from London to Paris. The pair were seen laughing together and sharing affectionate moments throughout the event.
Writing in his Spectator column, Liam joked that he never imagined becoming the focus of celebrity headlines.
“As a sandwich-board man of the business pages, I’m flabbergasted to be in the showbiz sections,” he wrote.
“Nobody wanted to know about my warnings of market meltdown but reporters now follow me around, asking: ‘How’s it going with Kate?'”
Speaking warmly about the television presenter, he added: “Kate Garraway and I are from different parts of the media but have much in common – not least a shared sense of humour. Though it’s early days, there’s a definite spark between us.”
He even made a light-hearted joke about their future adventures together, quipping: “But can she ride a tandem?”
While Kate has chosen not to comment publicly on the relationship, Liam recently revealed they had grown much closer after both unexpectedly finding themselves single.
Appearing on TalkTV with Mark Dolan, he explained: “It’s early days, we’ll see what happens. I’ve known her for a long time. I knew Derek, I was a political commentator.”
He continued: “In recent years, for different reasons, we have both become single, against our wishes. So, in recent weeks and months, Kate and I have become good friends.”
Speculation surrounding their romance first emerged in March when the pair were seen spending an evening together in Liam’s hometown of Saffron Walden, Essex. They appeared relaxed and close during a visit to The Railway Arms, where Liam performed with his band, The Hooligans.
Friends of the presenter are said to be delighted to see her smiling again after the devastating loss of Derek Draper in January 2024 following his long battle with Covid-related complications.
A source previously said: “It’s all very exciting and Kate is giddy. It is just so lovely for her friends and family to see. She will never stop loving Derek and is still grieving but she is finding a way to be happy.”
