Kate Carraway stunned on the red carpet at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday while attending her first Bride of Britain Awards since the death of her husband, Derek Draper.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, pulled out all the stops for the night in a sparkly gold wrap dress.
She beamed as she joined fellow GMP stars Susanna Reid, Charlotte Hawkins, Ranveer Singh, Laura Tobin and Richard Madley and revealed how wonderful it was to see the heartwarming stories from the event.
But Kate admitted the night, which marked Britain's first glory since the loss of her husband this year, was bitter.
Former political lobbyist Derek died in January at age 56 from complications of COVID-19, nearly four years after contracting the respiratory virus.
Kate Carraway stunned on the red carpet at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday while attending her first Pride of Britain awards since the death of her husband Derek Draper.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 57, pulled out all the stops for the night in a sparkly gold wrap dress.
She smiled as she joined fellow GMB stars Susanna Reid, Charlotte Hawkins, Ranveer Singh, Laura Tobin and Richard Madley (pictured).
He was one of the country's longest-suffering coronavirus patients and was hospitalized for more than a year, but never fully recovered after the virus caused long-term damage to his organs.
Speaking to Mirror on the red carpet, Kate said: “It was the most emotional night ever. Sometimes you are moved by tragic stories, but also brave ones.
I was lucky enough to be invited to Pride of Britain for the whole trip as Derek wasn't feeling well and it was the first time going with him without us, I think there will be a little something extra as he always loves it. It's a ceremony and a spectacle anyway. It's really cool to see how people fight.
Days after Kate opened up about her plans for her first Christmas without Derek, she admitted it was “difficult.”
However, the broadcaster says that while the festive season will be painful, she is looking forward to making “new memories” with her sons Darcy, 18, and Billy, 15.
She told the December issue of Women & Home: “This Christmas is going to be tough with all the firsts, but I told the kids, 'Let's do what feels right, let's do some new things, make some new memories.'”
“You have to try to let things become new memories, and they will guide me.”
The TV favorite recalled the recent Christmases before Derek's tragic death, which were very “challenging” due to his illness.
But Kate admitted the night was bitter because it was her first proud Brit since losing her husband this year.
Former political lobbyist Derek died from complications of COVID-19 in January at the age of 56, almost four years after contracting the respiratory virus (pictured with Kate in 2019).
He explained: “It's our first Christmas without Derek, but to be honest the last four or five Christmases have been challenging, although we are happy to have Derek with us.
“I hope I'm not banging all day, but I'm sure there will be emotional moments. However, I want it to be fun and happy for Darcy and Billy because it's been a tough few years for them. At least the pain is over for Dad, they think.” .
The annual Pride of Britain Awards returns for its 25th edition with Ashley Banjo and Carol Vorderman returning as co-hosts.
Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks will be presenting online content from GK Barry in their own bar during the event.
The ceremony, which has taken place since 1999, honors the achievements of truly notable people from across the UK and from all walks of life, nominated by members of the public.
Winners are selected by a panel of Pride of Britain judges after a shortlist is drawn from thousands of entries.
Before the ceremony, the King and Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to the nation's unsung heroes.
The King called them the best of us, while Sir Keir said they “embody all that is best about Britain”.
Days after Kate opened up about her plans for her first Christmas without Derek, she admitted it will be difficult, but she is looking forward to making “new memories” with her sons Darcy, 18, and Billy. 15 (pictured together last month)
King Charles' words were included in a letter to King's Trust Young Achiever winner Molly Leonard, whose grandmother cried with pride when she read it.
Praising Molly, he wrote: “On this 25th anniversary of the Pride of Britain Awards, I send my sincere congratulations to all of this year's winners. Each of you represents the best of our community.
The Prime Minister told the winners: “Britain is proud of you.”
'For a quarter of a century, the Pride of Britain Awards have celebrated people who embody everything that is good about Britain. Although these people come from all walks of life, they all have one thing in common. They are heroes.
“They may not be the caped superheroes we normally think of; in fact, they are just like us. But they have something very special. Courage, determination, generosity, empathy and great spirit.
'They have the power to touch our hearts, inspire us and make us proud. They are a testament to the incredible things people can achieve in the face of adversity.'
