Kate Garraway has confirmed she is in a new romantic relationship with economist and journalist Liam Halligan, describing the connection as “lovely” but adding that the pair have not yet managed a “proper date.” The Good Morning Britain host made the announcement while attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2026, marking a significant personal milestone after a period of public grief following the death of her husband, Derek Draper.
For months, speculation had grown around Garraway’s personal life after she was photographed with Halligan at several events. The confirmation at one of the UK’s most prominent social occasions brought the relationship fully into the open for the first time.
The announcement has drawn widespread media attention, in part because of the contrast between Garraway’s very public experience of loss and this new chapter in her life.
Is Kate Garraway in a New Relationship?
Yes. Kate Garraway, 59, is in a relationship with Liam Halligan, 57. She confirmed this publicly in May 2026 while speaking to journalists at the Chelsea Flower Show. Reports from Digital Spy and Woman & Home both carry her own words on the matter.
Kate Garraway, 59, has confirmed a new relationship with economist Liam Halligan, 57. She described it as “lovely” at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2026. The relationship follows the death of her husband Derek Draper in January 2024.
- Confirmed: Garraway stated she is in a new romance, calling it “lovely.”
- Partner: Liam Halligan is an economist, journalist, and podcast host.
- Timing: The relationship was first reported by the Mirror on 9 May 2026, and confirmed by Garraway on 19 May 2026.
- Context: This is Garraway’s first public relationship since becoming a widow in 2024.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kate Garraway (born 4 May 1967) |
| New Partner | Liam Halligan (born 8 April 1969) |
| Occupation of Partner | Economist, journalist, author |
| Relationship Confirmation | 19–20 May 2026 |
| Previous Marriage | Derek Draper (died 5 January 2024) |
| How They Met | Professional circles; known each other for years |
Who Is Kate Garraway’s New Boyfriend, Liam Halligan?
Liam Halligan is not a typical celebrity partner. He is a prominent economist, journalist, and broadcaster. He has written a regular column for The Telegraph since 2003 and presents the Planet Normal podcast, according to reports.
What Does Liam Halligan Do?
Halligan is best known for his economic commentary. He has appeared regularly on GB News and other outlets. His professional background is in economics and journalism, not show business.
How Old Is Liam Halligan?
He was born on 8 April 1969, making him 57 years old as of 2026. That is two years younger than Garraway, who turned 59 in May 2026.
Liam Halligan has been a columnist for The Telegraph since 2003. He also hosts the Planet Normal podcast, which covers political and economic issues. He is not a television personality, which sets him apart from many of Garraway’s previous public associations.
What Has Kate Garraway Said About Her New Relationship?
Garraway’s own words have defined the public narrative. Speaking at the Chelsea Flower Show, she said: “It is lovely.” She added that they “haven’t really had time for a proper date,” which suggests the relationship is still in its early stages.
She also told reporters she did not want to “jinx it,” indicating caution about speaking too soon. These remarks were covered by both Woman & Home and Digital Spy.
When Did She Confirm the Relationship?
The confirmation came in public on 19 May 2026, during the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Earlier reports from the Mirror on 9 May 2026 had already suggested the romance, but Garraway’s own statement at the flower show made it official.
How Did Kate Garraway Meet Liam Halligan?
The couple have known each other for years through professional circles. Coverage from Woman & Home describes them as having been friends for a long time before the relationship turned romantic. Halligan himself said they had “recently become close.”
How Long Have They Known Each Other?
Reports describe their acquaintance as lasting “for years.” However, the exact timeline of when their friendship evolved into a romance has not been made public.
What Happened to Kate Garraway’s Husband, Derek Draper?
Kate Garraway’s husband, Derek Draper, died on 5 January 2024. He had been seriously ill since contracting COVID-19 in March 2020. Their marriage began in 2005. Digital Spy notes that Garraway has spoken openly about the “tough few years” she endured during his illness and after his death.
Garraway has also spoken about appearing on The Celebrity Traitors, which she credited with helping her after “quite a few years recently of being quite sad.”
Derek Draper passed away in January 2024 after a long illness caused by complications from COVID-19. Garraway has described the period after his death as emotionally difficult. Her new relationship with Halligan is the first since she became a widow.
Timeline of Key Events
- — Death of Derek Draper after a long battle with COVID complications.
- — Kate Garraway and Liam Halligan reportedly grow close.
- — The Mirror first reports the relationship, citing anonymous sources.
- — Garraway confirms the relationship at the Chelsea Flower Show.
- — Hello! magazine publishes an exclusive interview with Garraway about the romance.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Kate Garraway is in a relationship with Liam Halligan (confirmed by her in public statements). | Exact timeline of when the relationship turned romantic. |
| Liam Halligan is an economist and journalist aged 57. | Whether the couple are living together or engaged. |
| Kate’s husband Derek Draper passed away in 2024. | Liam Halligan’s previous marital history (not publicly discussed). |
| How Kate’s children, Darcy and Billy, feel about the relationship. |
Why Does This Relationship Attract So Much Attention?
Kate Garraway is one of the most recognisable faces on British television. Her role on Good Morning Britain has kept her in the public eye for years. During her husband’s illness, she documented their family’s experience candidly, which earned her widespread sympathy and respect.
Her new relationship with Liam Halligan, a figure from a very different professional world, has generated significant media interest. The contrast between her public grief and this new chapter makes the story particularly compelling for audiences.
The fact that she chose the Chelsea Flower Show — a high-profile, non-political social event — to confirm the romance also shaped the coverage. It allowed her to control the narrative in a controlled, public setting.
Sources and Key Quotes
“I’m very happy. Life takes unexpected turns.”
— Kate Garraway at Chelsea Flower Show, via Hello! magazine (20 May 2026)
“Kate is blissfully happy with Liam. He’s a lovely man and they are great together.”
— Anonymous source quoted in Mirror (9 May 2026)
“Sometimes you just meet someone and everything clicks.”
— Kate Garraway on Good Morning Britain (pre-recorded, 20 May 2026)
What Does This Mean Going Forward?
The relationship is still in its early days. Garraway has been careful not to rush into making grand statements. She has said she does not want to “jinx it,” which suggests she values privacy and wants the relationship to develop away from excessive media scrutiny. No wedding rumours have surfaced, and there is no indication the couple are living together. For now, Garraway’s focus appears to be on enjoying this new connection without pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kate Garraway still married?
No. Her husband Derek Draper passed away in January 2024. She is now in a new relationship with Liam Halligan.
How old is Liam Halligan?
Liam Halligan was born on 8 April 1969, making him 57 years old (as of 2026).
Does Liam Halligan have children?
There is no public information about Liam Halligan having children.
How did Kate and Liam meet?
They have known each other for years through professional circles; the nature of their friendship turned romantic in early 2026.
When did Kate announce the relationship?
Kate confirmed the relationship publicly on 19–20 May 2026 while attending the Chelsea Flower Show.
What does Liam Halligan do for a living?
He is an economist, journalist, and author, known for columns in The Telegraph and GB News appearances.
Are Kate and Liam living together?
There is no public information to suggest they are living together. Garraway has said they have not yet had a proper date.
How long were Kate and Derek married?
Kate Garraway and Derek Draper married in 2005 and were together until his death in January 2024.
Did Kate Garraway’s children meet Liam?
There is no public information about whether her children, Darcy and Billy, have met Liam Halligan.
Is the relationship serious?
Garraway has described it as “lovely” but has been cautious, saying she does not want to “jinx it.”
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.