Television presenter Kate Garraway has announced her husband Derek Draper has died after a long Covid illness.

Ms Garraway said on Instagram she was “by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours”.

Ms Garraway added:

“I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.

“As some of you may know he has been critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.

“Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.

“I have so much more to say, and of course I will 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 to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible.

“Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support.

“Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”

Mr Draper, 56, spent a year in hospital after he contracted Covid-19.

He was put into a medically induced coma and on a ventilator.

Mr Draper was a leading figure in the New Labour days of the 90s.