More than two years after losing her husband Derek Draper, Kate Garraway may finally be finding a reason to smile again — but the biggest question has been how her children truly feel about it.
Now, insiders have revealed the emotional truth behind the scenes as Kate grows closer to journalist Liam Halligan, a man who had long been on the edges of her social circle.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Kate and Liam had quietly reconnected, forming what was described as a “close friendship”. Liam later confirmed the situation himself, admitting it is still early days and that they are simply seeing where things might lead.
But what about the two people closest to Kate — her children, Darcey, 20, and Billy, 16?
According to sources, the reality is more surprising than many expected. It’s believed that neither Darcey nor Billy fully realised just how close their mum and Liam had become. The relationship had been kept deliberately low-key, away from the spotlight and even from parts of their own families.
A source explained that Kate has always insisted she is far too busy for romance, describing herself as “very, very chaotic in the most adorable way.” They added that even those who love her most have struggled to imagine her balancing a relationship alongside everything else in her life.
And yet, despite the secrecy and the slow start, the reaction from her inner circle — including her children — has been overwhelmingly positive.
“They are thrilled. It is very, very lovely to see,” the insider revealed.
For those close to Kate, this new chapter carries deep emotional weight. After the devastating loss of Derek Draper in early 2024 following a long battle with Covid-19, few believed she would ever be ready to open her heart again.
But now, something has shifted.
One friend shared that while everything remains complicated, Kate is beginning to allow herself to feel hope. She never imagined she could move forward, but now she can see the possibility of happiness again — even picturing a future where she might be “skipping down the road holding his hand.”
Though the relationship remains private for now, those around her say it is something “really quite special” — a quiet connection built gently, away from the public eye, at a pace that feels right.
