Kate Garraway forced to hand over presenting duties after coughing fit

On Thursday (March 12), kate garraway began an interview but was overtaken by a sudden coughing fit and asked her co-host to “take over” live on air. The interview welcomed operatic pop singer Russell Watson, who was in to discuss a fundraising campaign for Animals in Distress.

Paul Brand steps in during Russell Watson interview

Just minutes into the conversation with Russell Watson, Paul Brand assumed control of the segment. Kate had started a question about the charity but covered her mouth as she began coughing and said she was coughing too much. Paul continued the interview while the guest described his work and fundraiser for Animals in Distress.

Kate Garraway’s coughing fit and Russell Watson offering water

As the coughing continued, kate garraway turned to Paul and asked him to “take over” and “save the day. ” Russell Watson then handed her a glass of water and she thanked him. Within a few minutes Paul had carried the segment on and Kate returned to presenting the show as normal.

Studio evacuation after fire alarm affected March 9 broadcast

Earlier that week, a separate incident disrupted the programme when a fire alarm prompted an evacuation on Monday (March 9). Susanna Reid reported hearing an alarm in her ear, the show cut to an ad break, and the channel began airing This Morning 20 minutes early. The team were able to re-enter the building shortly afterwards, but the programme ended earlier than planned.

For the next few weeks, Lorraine and Loose Women have been pulled from the schedule entirely. For viewers, the immediate image is of kate garraway recovering quickly at the desk after the coughing fit; for the production, the confirmed next development is a shortened schedule and an altered line-up while the other programmes remain absent.