Kate Garraway pays tribute to 'warm and brilliant' ITV news reporter Tony Morris after his death at 57

GOOD Morning Britain host Kate Garraway has paid tribute to "warm and brilliant" fellow newsreader Tony Morris who sadly died this weekend.

The 53-year-old, whose husband Derek Draper was left fighting for his life after contracting coronavirus this summer, spoke fondly of the ITV Granada Reports anchor who passed following a battle with kidney cancer.

Tony, aged 57, died at Bury Hospital with daughters Natalia and Rebecca by his side.

On today's GMB, presenters Kate and Ben Shephard opened the show with a tribute to Tony.

They played a video clip from his former co-star, Lucy Meacock, before Ben said: "He had the most wonderful smile.

"Lots of our colleagues have worked through Manchester and Granada."

Kate, who had been listening to Ben recall a story involving ITV presenter Katy Rickitt being given a cup of tea by Tony, she added: "Just a lovely, warm man.

"And a brilliant broadcaster as well, it's so sad."

Ben then added: "Our thoughts are with his family."

The subject of death must have been emotionally tough for Kate, whose husband Derek Draper remains in hospital following his COVID-19 fight.

Derek is in intensive care and on last week's GMB, emotional Kate revealed her husband is "stable" but his condition has not improved in recent weeks.

She pleaded for him to take a "step forward" on Billy's 11th birthday and added that doctors had assured her Derek's condition had not worsened.

The brave mum of two said: "They said sometimes a day when nothing has gone backwards, and nothing has gone wrong is a positive day.

"I am desperate for a step forward and I'm sure he is always too. But it's always lovely to see him and so it's wonderful to have the chance to do that."

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