Kate Garraway has been reportedly hurt by the public backlash following the start of her new relationship with economic journalist Liam Halligan. The criticism stems from Halligan's prior friendship with Garraway's late husband, Derek Draper.
Draper passed away in January 2024 after a four-year battle with COVID-19. According to a source close to the couple, Halligan, 57, is determined not to let online criticism deter him from pursuing his relationship with Garraway, 59.
"It could have scared off many men in Liam's position," a source told The Sun, referring to the intense public interest. "He's in a similar industry to Kate and understands this kind of thing comes with the territory. There's no way he'd let some idiot trolls who are commenting on X stop him from pursuing Kate."
The couple, who have reportedly been dating since April, have known each other for two decades. Halligan recently described a "definite spark" between them, noting they have "much in common" despite working in different media sectors. They were seen together at a friend's birthday party, an event Garraway shared a photo of on social media.
Halligan, who was a political commentator and knew Draper, stated that both he and Garraway became single "against our wishes" in recent years. He described their connection as "early days" but acknowledged a significant spark.
Rumors of their romance first surfaced in March when they were seen together in Saffron Walden, Essex, with Halligan performing with his band at a local pub. A source told The Mail on Sunday that friends and family are happy to see Garraway finding happiness, emphasizing that she will always love Derek Draper and is still grieving.