Garraway to sue over newspaper allegations

Updated 11.08 Tue Feb 12 2008
Keywords: GMTV, Anton Du Beke, Strictly Come Dancing, Kate Garraway

TV presenter Kate Garraway is suing a newspaper over allegations about her relationship with her Strictly Come Dancing partner.

Garraway was paired with professional dancer Anton Du Beke for the celebrity show at the end of last year, but rumours emerged that the couple shared more than a friendship after leaving the show.

"Contrary to these insinuations Derek and I are as faithful, happy and in love today as we have ever been" - Kate Garraway

The GMTV star, who is married to psychotherapist Derek Draper, spoke out about the claims, branding allegations in a Sunday newspaper as "extremely hurtful", in a statement released by her solicitors Schillings.

She said: "Contrary to these insinuations Derek and I are as faithful, happy and in love today as we have ever been.

"The plain truth is that Anton and I became friends during Strictly Come Dancing.

"Since then we often work and hang out together. For that to be twisted into something else is sad, hurtful and totally untrue."

The statement said proceedings had been issued in the High Court for libel.

Garraway added: "I am extremely upset and hurt by the allegations. I made it clear before publication that there was no truth to them whatsoever.

"Given they were published in any event and continue to be published, I feel I have no option but to take libel proceedings against the newspaper to set the record straight.

Garraway caused a stir during her time on Strictly Come Dancing after the audience controversially voted to keep her in the competition ahead of other contestants, despite her limited dancing skills.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.