ITV GMB's Kate Garraway says her mum is 'holding out' for romance with co-star

Kate Garraway amusedly revealed her mother's persistent matchmaking wishes concerning her and a co-star on Good Morning Britain. During Thursday's programme, as Richard Arnold provided the showbiz lowdown, the conversation drifted to Sir Elton John's accolade as Time's 2024 Icon of the Year.

Both Kate and Richard, much-loved figures on ITV, reminisced about attending an Elton John concert together in the past. Richard fondly looked back: "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 jested: "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'."

Her wit sparked laughter on the set, with Richard labeling the Elton gig 'magnificent.

' Delving into memories, he mused: "That would've been 20 years ago when you and I first dated? " Further nostalgia surfaced as Kate recalled seeing Elton again with her late husband Derek Draper, as reported by the Mirror. The trip down memory lane took an unexpected detour when Richard Madeley astonished everyone by admitting his first Elton John experience dates to 1974 – much to the studio's astonishment, prompting Kate to declare: "You topped it all! ", reports the Manchester Evening News.

Reflecting on the unforgettable event, Madeley said: "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, joining in the praise for John, ended on a high note, calling the now 77 year old musician a 'legend. '.

Last year, Elton John invited Kate and Derek, 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 pay tribute to the ITV star and her husband.

Elton dedicated his song "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" to Derek and his health struggles. Kate shared that this heartfelt gesture brought them all to tears.

However, Kate confessed to Smooth Radio that she was unsure if they would be able to attend the concert due to Derek's health condition. She explained: "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 Derek began to cry and squeezed her hand when Elton appeared on stage, insisting on not wearing ear defenders to fully experience the music.

She admitted there was a moment during the concert when Derek started shaking, which might have been too much for him, prompting the nurses to take him outside for a breather. .

Kate added: "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 lost his life earlier this year after a prolonged battle with the long-term effects of Covid, with celebrities including Elton John attending his funeral in April.