Kate Garraway,presenter of Good Morning Britain, is confronting a mounting financial crisis after the death of her husband, Derek Draper. As the sole director of his firm Astra Aspera, she now faces insolvency agents Grace & Good seeking repayment of debts that may total £800,000, including a £288,000 tax bill.

£288,000 HMRC bill drives Grace & Good's appointment

According to the source, liquidators have engaged the debt‑recovery firm Grace & Good to recover £288,000 owed to HM Revenue & Customs. the agency’s mandate is to liquidate Astra Aspera’s assets and settle the tax liability, a move that underscores the severity of the company’s financial distress.

£800,000 estimated personal debt linked to Derek Draper’s care

The report says Kate’s personal outlay may have reached £800,000, driven by a £16,000‑a‑month cost of caring for Derek Draper during his long‑COVID illness from 2020 until his death in 2024. This figure reflects the cumulative burden of medical expenses, lost earnings, and ongoing company liabilities.

Four‑year saga chronicled in three documentaries

As the source notes, the couple’s ordeal was documented in three separate programmes, culminating in "Derek’s Story" aired after his death. The series highlighted the emotional toll and financial strain, providing a public window into the challenges that now leave Garraway navigaitng insolvency proceedings.

Who is Grace & Good and what powers do they hold?

Grace & Good, described in the source as an insolvency debt recovery agent, has been granted authority by Astra Aspera’s liquidators to pursue creditors and sell assets. Their involvement signals that the company’s remaining value is being assessed for distribution to creditors, including HMRC.

Unanswered: Will Garraway retain control of Astra Aspera?

The source does not clarify whether Kate Garraway will remain director after the liquidation process, nor does it specify the timeline for asset sales or the exact amount that may be recovered for creditors. these gaps leave open the question of her future role in the company.