Good Morning Britain presenters have sent their love and well wishes to Kate Garraway and her family after it was revealed her husband, Derek Draper, was back in hospital.

The 54-year-old former political adviser fell seriously ill in March 2020 and despite now being free of Covid-19, he suffered long-lasting damage to his organs and requires daily care.

It was confirmed Kate would be absent from the morning show this week after Mr Draper was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night.

It is the second time this month that Mr Draper has had to return to hospital, after also being admitted in early July.

Speaking on Thursday’s episode of GMB, Ben Shepherd said: “We are missing a member of the team, aren’t we?”

Co-host Charlotte Hawkins replied: “We are, yes. So, Kate’s not here. She’s taking some time out to be with Derek at the moment so we’re sending her lots of love.

“Lots of you have been in touch with messages of support, so we wish him well.”

Ben continued: “Thank you for those messages, we’ll definitely pass them on.

“You know how much Kate appreciates all the support that she gets and fingers crossed Derek will be home as soon as possible.”

Last year, Garraway won a prize at the National Television Awards for the documentary Finding Derek, about her family’s experience during the pandemic.

It detailed her husband’s treatment and his subsequent return to their family home.

Garraway and Draper married in 2005 and have two children, Darcey and Billy.

Draper’s battle with the virus has won much attention and support, including from the Prime Minister and the royal family.