Kate Garraway fights tears as she pays emotional tribute to Derek six months after his death

ITV's Kate Garraway was highly emotional on Wednesday night as she picked up a National Television Award. The 57-year-old earned a huge round of applause after winning in the authored documentary category for her poignant ITV feature, Derek's Story.

While collecting the award, she said: "I really genuinely did not expect this, goodness me. This is a bittersweet one isn't it? It's very bitter to be here, with the gorgeous Darcey and Billy. I promised them they didn't have to say anything. We're halfway through the first year of firsts really. A first Easter and first birthdays, without Derek. It's so strange to be here for the first Television Awards without him.But, this one is for you Derek, absolutely."

Kate pulled forward two people on stage from Flicker production who were involved in the making of the documentaries.

She added: "You made a beautiful film that touched the hearts of all of you because we've all been vulnerable, we all struggle, we all have lost someone or are grieving someone..

"It's ok to feel those things and it's ok to need care and support. This one really is for all those people who cared, doctors nurses professional carers and people doing it for their youngsters, for their children and for their loved ones.

"We need a system that catches us when we fall not try to catch us out . I'm going to keep the fight on for all of you.

Derek's Story was an hour-long special where viewers got a raw insight into Derek's life and the challenges both he and those around him faced. Also in the documentary, it showcased Derek's political career and relationship with Kate, along with how their dynamic changed when he became ill.

Derek contracted coronavirus in 2020 and suffered a series of serious health