Ben Shephard sends Kate Garraway three-word message on first birthday without Derek

Ben Shephard has led the birthday messages to his former Good Morning Britain colleague Kate Garraway. The TV presenter, who now hosts This Morning, took to social media over the weekend to wish Kate a happy 57th birthday.

It is the first she is celebrating since the death of her husband Derek in January aged 56. Ben shared a throwback photo of him and Kate together backstage at Good Morning Britain with Kate wearing her hair in rollers.

He captioned the post: "Not another birthday [Kate]." Susanna Reid, who currently co-hosts GMB with Kate, also marked the occasion with a heartfelt message.

Read more Traitors winner Harry Clark 'wanted to end it all at 21' after being in 'darkest place'

Sharing a picture of them together, she wrote: "Happy birthday to my gorgeous friend @kategarraway,"

Weather presenter Laura Tobin, 42, added: "Happy Birthday [Kate]. So happy I could share a drink with you earlier this week and toast to your Variety Club Award #Proud."

Last week, Kate attended her first red carpet event since Derek's passing. She attended the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards on April 28 and was honoured with the Variety Club Silver Heart Award 2024 for her Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting - Television and Radio.

Kate wrote on Instagram: "Well this was a moment. My first red carpet event, following Derek's passing - and WHAT an event. I've been aware of the incredible work [Variety] does over its 75 years to help disabled and disadvantaged children and heard that it's awards do's are always the glitziest.

"I was so pleased to have an invite to attend but then to actually WIN an award was an incredible honour - a silver heart for Outstanding Contribution to TV and Radio - I guess if you cling on long enough you eventually make a contribution! ! ! ! ! ! And then to be presented it by [Ben]- so special. Congrats to all the winners."