Kate Garraway's GMB co-star Susanna Reid and Alan Carr send celebrity sympathy messages to heartbroken star as she announces death of husband Derek Draper at 56

Celebrities were quick to express their condolences to Kate Garraway after she announced the death of her husband Derek Draper on Friday morning.

The message of condolence was led by Good Morning Britain co-star Susanna Reid, who simply wrote: 'Our whole hearts are with you all,' while Alan Carr wrote: 'Oh Kate, that's so awful. Sending you so much love and deepest condolences.”

Kate revealed the heartbreaking news that her husband has died aged 56 after suffering a heart attack before Christmas following a long battle with Covid.

She announced the death on Instagram, revealing she was holding his hand when he died in a north London hospital on Wednesday evening.

Derek was plagued by health problems after contracting Covid in 2020 and suffered a cardiac arrest in December, with Kate spending Christmas in hospital.

In a post on Instagram, she said: 'I'm sad to tell you all that my dear husband Derek has passed away…

'As some of you may know, he has been seriously ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, due to the damage done by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I stood by his side and held his hand during the last long hours and when he passed away…

'I have so much more to say, and I will of course do so in due course, but for now I just want to thank all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and make his last moments as comfortable and dignified as possible .

“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have generously given our family so much support. Rest in peace now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”

A superstar tribute came from Sir Elton John, who sent his 'love and thoughts' to Kate. Commenting on the post, Sir Elton wrote: 'I'm sorry to hear of this news, Kate. Love and thoughts to you and your family x'.

Derek attended the Rocket Man's Farewell Yellow Brick Road concert at London's O2 Arena in April after being invited along with Garraway as guests of honour.

Lorraine Kelly was among those to send messages of support to Kate Garraway after announcing her husband Derek Draper has died after long-term symptoms of coronavirus.

In the comments of Garraway's announcement post on Instagram, the Scottish star wrote: 'Sorry Kate. You fought so hard. Just incredibly sad. Sending you love.”

Another Good Morning Britain star to pay tribute was Charlotte Hawkins, who wrote that she was 'completely sorry' to hear the news. She added: “Kate, it's absolutely heartbreaking. So much love to you all.”

This Morning host Alison Hammond said the show's crew sent 'our love' to Kate. On air on Friday, she said: “We just want to say that all of us here at This Morning are sending our love to you, Kate and of course to Darcey and Billy.”

Radio presenter Zoe Ball said she was 'heartbroken' for Kate and her children.

She added, “There is so much love coming your way from so many. May Derek's star always shine brightest for you xxxx' Singer and presenter Peter Andre said he was 'sorry' to hear the news, adding: 'Sending all our love. Thoughts with you all.”

Comedian Alan also shared his condolences for the TV presenter, saying: Oh Kate, that's so awful. Sending you so much love and deepest condolences.”

Further tributes from famous friends and fans were supported by Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon, who wrote: 'I'm sorry to hear this Kate. Sending love to you and your beautiful family.”

Lisa Snowdon wrote: 'Kate. Sending so much love and strength to you all during this heartbreaking time. So cruel and so sad. RIP Dirk'.

Carol Vorderman reached out to write: “Oh no Kate. I'm so sorry. Sending our deepest condolences to you and your beautiful family.”

Author and journalist Bryony Gordon wrote: 'I'm so sorry Kate. Sending you and your children all my love xxxxx'

Kaye Adams wrote, “You have demonstrated the power of love in every way. I'm so sorry x', alongside TOWIE star Carol Wright's tribute, which read: 'This is so sad but he was lucky to have a wonderful family who loved him very much. Rest in peace wonderful person. X'.

Michelle Heaton wrote: 'Oh Kate, that's so awful. Sending you so much love and deepest condolences,” alongside Georgia Toffolo's tribute, which read: “I'm so sorry Kate…

“I have such fond memories of Derek waiting for you while you were in the jungle. I loved the way he talked about your love story. I think about you so much. X'.

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair paid tribute to Derek, saying: 'I'm so sad to hear the news about Derek. My heart goes out to Kate and their children William and Darcey.

'It is extraordinary and remarkable that Derek survived for so long after the ravages of Covid. And that was in large part due to the love Derek had for his family and they for him. This also says something very special about Derek.

'He was a tough, sometimes ruthless political operative, a brilliant advisor and someone you always wanted by your side. But beneath that tough exterior, he was a loving, kind, generous and good-natured man who you wanted as a friend.

'He was an important part of the New Labor story and was central from the start. But most importantly, he was a good colleague and a good friend. And we will miss him immensely.”