Kate Garraway maintains a courageous demeanour in her first public appearance since the devastating death of her husband, Derek Draper.

The 56-year-old Good Morning Britain actress smiled as she met with a friend to plan Derek’s burial in north London, which is slated for next Friday.

Kate will be joined by friends and family for the sorrowful memorial, which will take place four weeks after the former psychotherapist died from Covid problems.

Derek suffered a catastrophic heart attack and died at the age of 56.

Last night, a source stated, “It’s been an incredibly emotional few weeks for the whole family. Kate and Derek’s two children, Darcey and Billy, have, of course, been hit extremely hard, and Kate has been stoically trying to hold things together for their sake. She has been an absolute rock.”

“As anyone who has lost a family member will testify, funeral arrangements are extremely time-consuming and painful. But the day itself will be a joyous celebration of a wonderful man.”

The presenter’s husband unexpectedly died while holding her hand after a four-year health battle caused by Covid.