Kate Garraway and Liam Halligan Spark Romance!

 couldn't keep the smile off her face as she left Smooth Radio on Tuesday after growing close to broadcaster Liam Halligan. 

The in presenter, 58, lost her husband Derek two years ago and is now 'growing close' to Liam, who confirmed their union while appearing on Mark Dolan's show on Talk TV on Tuesday morning.

Mark said he 'was going to have to ask about his private life' and said 'what is going on' with the 'handsome' economist, who confessed he was 'good friends' with Kate and said: 'It's early days, we'll see what happens.'

During his chat, Liam said: 'I've known her for a long time, I knew Derek, I was a political commentator, of course I knew him. In recent years for different reasons, we have both become single, against our wishes...

'So, in recent weeks and months, Kate and I have become good friends.'

'We were reintroduced. Kate and a lot of friends came to see my band The Hooligans play in Saffron Walden, my hometown over the weekend. It turns out some of my neighbours were excited that she was in the pub and posted some pictures.'

He went on: 'Kate and I are good friends, it's early days, we'll see what happens.'

Mark went on to wish them 'every happiness' and said he was sure he would 'plead the fifth', meaning refuse to give an answer, so was surprised at his candour. 

Kate has formed a close relationship with Liam, who she has known for over 20 years. He was also a friend of her late spouse, Derek Draper.

At the weekend, the television presenter joined Liam in his home town of Saffron Walden in Essex. She was seen 'getting cosy' with him at The Railway Arms pub – where he was performing with his band, The Hooligans. 

It comes after Kate recently appeared on the 's Celebrity Traitors – an experience she described as 'transformative' following her husband's death.

One of her friends told the Daily Mail: 'Kate has formed a close friendship with Liam and they really enjoy one another's company.

'They met through friends. Liam makes her laugh, he is very funny and they've been hanging out with their close circle of mates. Kate doesn't know if it will go anywhere. Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but it's complicated.

'It has been really tough for Kate since Derek died, and she is a mother to two children and they are all still grieving.

'But they have known one another for 20 years. Liam knew Derek. They have so many friends in common. It's lovely to see Kate smiling again.'

Mr Halligan introduced Kate to his friends at the pub where a source said: 'Everyone was having a great time, there was a lot of singing and dancing.'

Kate was also introduced to Mr Halligan's neighbours.

The source added: 'A lot of the neighbours are talking about it after being introduced to Kate. She and Liam looked really into each other and seemed very happy. She has been spotted quite a few times at Liam's home in recent weeks.'

In January 2024, former political lobbyist and psychotherapist Mr Draper died of a cardiac arrest after becoming seriously ill with Covid in March 2020.

Kate had cared for him at their north London home, where she still lives with their children Darcey, 20, and Billie, 16.

Award-winning journalist and single father Mr Halligan, 56, was previously economics and business editor at GB News and currently writes a column in The Sunday Telegraph.

He is separated from his partner, journalist Lucy Ward. They have a son and two daughters, Maeve and Ailis, who play with him in his band.

In December last year, Kate discussed her dating prospects following the tragic loss of her husband – who she married in September 2005.

Speaking to Jamie Laing on his Great Company podcast, Kate revealed she was ready to have romance in her life again. She also indicated she was looking for 'any single dads'.

Kate said: 'I wouldn't like to think that I'd never had romantic love in my life again.

'I think that would be rather a sad way to go through life, wouldn't it? But, no, I'm not there yet. I don't know if anybody would want me.'

She then teased: 'Talk to your mates, find out if any of their dads are single. That's your task, Jamie.' 

But Kate revealed that she was not interested in using a dating app, adding: 'I'm of the old school where you lived life, did things you loved and then met people along the way. But maybe that doesn't happen any more.'

Now Kate's circle are thrilled she seems to be living on the bright side of life again.

A friend of Kate told the Daily Mail: 'Kate has been through so much, she is so loved and we just want her to be happy. We love to see her smile.'