Kate Garraway is joined by daughter Darcey, 14, as she steps out for supplies in London

Kate Garraway is joined by daughter Darcey, 14, as she steps out for supplies in London… after taking a week off from Good Morning Britain

Kate Garraway was joined by daughter Darcey on Wednesday as she ventured out in London, shortly after stepping back from TV duties to look after coronavirus stricken husband Derek Draper.

The presenter, 53, confirmed on Friday that she is taking a week off from Good Morning Britain to help her son Billy, 11, get ready for secondary school while taking care of Derek as he continues his recovery from the deadly virus. 

Taking a break from her busy schedule, Kate had good company in the form of 14-year old Darcey as they visited a local pet store.  

In good company: Kate Garraway was joined by daughter Darcey on Wednesday as she ventured out in London 

The presenter looked stylish in a cropped denim jacket and breezy summer dress as they climbed from their car and made their way across the high street. 

With a large carry bag slung over one shoulder, Kate mingled with fellow shoppers as she chatted to her eldest child, who looked preoccupied while checking her mobile phone. 

Despite suffering the trauma of seeing Derek’s health decline during the darkest days of his coronavirus battle, the breakfast TV regular appeared to be in an upbeat mood during her latest appearance in the capital.  

Stepping back: The presenter, 53, confirmed on Friday that she is taking a week off from Good Morning Britain to help her son Billy, 11, get ready for secondary school while taking care of Derek as he recovers from COVID-19

Stepping back: The presenter, 53, confirmed on Friday that she is taking a week off from Good Morning Britain to help her son Billy, 11, get ready for secondary school while taking care of Derek as he recovers from COVID-19

Side by side: Taking a break from her busy schedule, Kate had good company in the form of 14-year old Darcey as they visited a local pet store

Side by side: Taking a break from her busy schedule, Kate had good company in the form of 14-year old Darcey as they visited a local pet store

Side by side: Taking a break from her busy schedule, Kate had good company in the form of 14-year old Darcey as they visited a local pet store

Understated: The presenter looked stylish in a cropped denim jacket and breezy summer dress as they climbed from their car and made their way across the high street

Understated: The presenter looked stylish in a cropped denim jacket and breezy summer dress as they climbed from their car and made their way across the high street

Addressing colleagues and viewers on Friday morning’s Good Morning Britain, Kate admitted it had been a ‘challenging time’ as she showed her gratitude to her ITV ‘family’, who she revealed have been ‘amazing’ throughout the ordeal.

Derek has been in hospital since March slowly recovering from his battle with Covid-19 and she was able to visit him for the first time last week.

Explaining that she would be taking some time off, Kate said: ‘I’m actually not here next week, I’m taking a bit of time off to help Billy get sorted for secondary school and Darcey as well get ready for school. And also Derek, look after things on that. 

Let's talk: Kate chatted to her eldest child as they crossed the street during their appearance in London on Friday

Let’s talk: Kate chatted to her eldest child as they crossed the street during their appearance in London on Friday 

Accessory: The presenter's large carry bag ensured she caught the eye as she made her way back to her car

Accessory: The presenter’s large carry bag ensured she caught the eye as she made her way back to her car 

Showing her appreciation, she added: ‘I just want to say thank you to all of you for absolutely being brilliant since I’ve come back through challenging times. Everyone here, you, Ben, everyone on screen and off screen you’ve been amazing.’

‘Everyone talks about ITV and TV being a brutal business and it’s not, it’s a proper family you’ve all been amazing. Thank you so much.’

Kate’s co-host, who was making his presenting debut on the show, replied: ‘You know that we love you and we’ve all got your back on this show.

Handing over to Andi Peters who is standing in for Lorraine Kelly, she said: ‘Well you’ve all been fantastic. And Andi, you’ve been one of those who has always had my back haven’t you Andi, all the way.

Back soon: Kate will return to Good Morning Britain presenting duties in September

Back soon: Kate will return to Good Morning Britain presenting duties in September