Kate Garraway's future on Good Morning Britain confirmed as fans share concerns

Devoted followers of Good Morning Britain have voiced their unease regarding the continued absence of beloved ITV host Kate Garraway from the popular morning programme.

This Friday (August 2), the GMB hot seat was taken by Rob Rinder and Charlotte Hawkins, following a week predominantly helmed by Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls. The steadfastly dependable Kate has been notably absent since the previous month due to personal matters concerning her father's health.

Concerned fans have flocked to social media platforms to express their consternation, with one distressed admirer writing: "Anyone else seriously missing Kate Garraway on #GMB? I hope everything's okay with her family..." Meanwhile, another viewer expressed hope for her return, commenting: "She's coming back soon isn't she? The presenters today are making me cringe for some reason."

Kate recently reached out to her followers via Instagram with a heartfelt update regarding her family's ordeal, revealing the distressing circumstances that precipitated her break from the spotlight.

In her own words, she shared: "Hi all - sorry I disappeared from here when my Dad collapsed and rushed to hospital 2 weeks ago while having a holiday with my Mum at my brother's. It was very scary but am so pleased that he is now stable and even recovering a bit in hospital - we have so much to be grateful for, but are taking it a day at a time," reports the Mirror.

She added her profound thanks: "Huge thanks to the incredible NHS staff for their endless kindness and the heart they put into the care of all their patients which has meant so much to my mum and all our family."

Kate Garraway expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying: "Huge thanks too to my incredible friends @itv and @smoothradio particularly @ranvirtv, @charlottehawkins1, @tinahobleyofficial, @myleeneklass for yet again changing their plans to cover for me so I could put my family first."

She also shed light on her anticipated return to television, providing some comfort to concerned fans: "Luckily I also had some weeks leave booked so I have been able to support my Mum and Brother and be with my Dad while also giving Darcey and Billy some summer fun on their school holidays which of course they really need."

"Am hoping to be back on @gmb and @smoothradio on Monday so can update more then but for now sending love to you all."

Despite her absence from GMB, Kate has hit a new professional high this month she's drawn in an impressive audience of 2.9million weekly listeners on her Smooth Radio show, her best ever. Admirers were quick to celebrate her success online, with one fan posting: "Congrats on your RAJAR figures @kategarraway. Outstanding."

Another joined in the praise: "Congrats @kategarraway. Always great listening to you all the time. We adore you."

And another added their congratulations: "Huge congratulations Kate!"

GMB airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.