Kate Garraway's mum 'still hoping' for romance between her and GMB co-star

Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway had the studio in stitches as she quipped about her mother still holding out for a workplace romance to blossom between herself and a colleague. On Thursday's show, while discussing Elton John's accolade as Time's 2024 Icon of the Year, the conversation took a nostalgic turn.

Entertainment guru Richard Arnold reminisced about attending an Elton John concert with Kate, saying: "We went to the Royal Opera House and we were papped! I think the world back then, what a world it was, believed we were together."

Kate couldn't resist, teasing: "My mum is still hoping! My mum's still hoping and so is yours be honest! Her response earned laughter in the studio as Richard called Elton's concert 'magnificent'."

He playfully probed: "That would've been 20 years ago when you and I first dated?" Kate also shared her more recent Elton John concert experience, which she attended with her late husband Derek Draper, reports the Mirror.

But it was Richard Madeley who dropped the bombshell that left everyone gobsmacked, revealing he had seen Elton way back in 1974. Amid audible surprise from the team, Kate exclaimed: "You topped it all!"

Richard continued talking about the unforgettable '74 concert, adding: "I've never been to a concert like it in my life before or since. '74, he was absolutely on top of his game, amazing."

Kate joined in the praise, hailing the 77 year old musician as a 'legend'. Last year, Elton John had extended an invitation to Kate Garraway and her husband Derek Draper, along with their children Darcey and Billy, to be his special guests at his Farewell tour in London.

During the concert, the legendary singer took a moment to honour the ITV presenter and her spouse. Elton dedicated his hit song 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' to Derek and his health struggles.

Kate shared that this unexpected tribute moved them all to tears. However, Kate admitted she was uncertain if they would be able to make it to the concert due to Derek's health condition.

Speaking to Smooth Radio, she said: "Right up to the last minute, I wasn't sure if it would be possible to get Derek there. It took weeks of planning and just days before, it looked like he would be too sick to attend. Even on the journey there, he seemed so weak."

Kate revealed to listeners that when Elton appeared on stage, Derek began to cry and squeezed her hand, insisting on not wearing ear defenders so he could fully experience the music.

She confessed there was a point during the concert when Derek started to shake, indicating it might be overwhelming for him. The nurses then took him outside for a breather.

Kate continued: "After a while, I asked him if it was time to go and he said, "No... want to go back", so we gave him ear defenders to reduce the stimulation and wheeled him back to the concert."

Tragically, Derek passed away earlier this year after a prolonged battle with the long-term effects of Covid. Elton John was among the many celebrities who attended his funeral in April.

Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.