Kate Garraway goes on maternity leave

Kate Garraway has departed GMTV to go on maternity leave.

The presenter, who is expecting her second child with husband Derek Draper, left the breakfast show today to prepare for the birth later this summer.

"The props boys are so relieved," she joked. "They've had boiling water on standby!"

After being presented with a bouquet of flowers from co-host Ben Shephard, she added: "Everyone's been so kind. I've had all sorts of lovely messages and good luck cards. Thank you all for your good wishes and for your knitting - it's been brilliant!"

Colleague Emma Crosby, who is rumoured to be involved in a feud with Garraway, will step up her presenting duties to cover most of her leave. "We all wish Kate the very best," Crosby said. "I'll have to invest in a second alarm clock now!"

Newsreader Penny Smith will also present for four weeks over the summer, while LA correspondent Carla Romano is expected to cover one week in August.