Speaking at the Tric Awards in London, his wife, TV presenter Kate Garraway, said: "He has been back in [hospital] for a bit."

Mr Draper became seriously ill with the virus in March 2020. Although the former political adviser no longer has the virus, he has long-lasting damage to his organs and requires daily care.

The virus also affected Mr Draper's ability to communicate, and he can be bed-bound for days.

Last year Kate Garraway's documentary about her family's experience during the pandemic titled Finding Derek won a prize at the National Television Awards.

It included details of her husband's treatment and his return to their family home after being discharged from hospital in April 2021.

Mr Draper became the longest suffering COVID patient in the UK.

The ITV documentary and follow-up sequel Caring for Derek shows how the family have been adapting to a new way of living.

Draper's return to hospital comes as the broadcaster thanked her followers on Twitter for helping her track down her husband's medications last Friday, after accidently leaving them in a taxi.

She tweeted: "help!! Have just brought derek home in a mobility black cab from hospital for a weekend visit -& have left a case with all his meds and kit in the front!".

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The 54-year-old's battle with COVID has gained much attention and support, including from the prime minister and the Royal Family.

Garraway has also praised the pair's two children, Darcey, 16, and Billy, 12, saying: "They've been amazing - all the way through".

She told Good Housekeeping magazine: "When you nearly lose someone, it certainly brings everything into sharp focus.

"In many ways, we're still learning how we are as man and wife, as so much has changed."

She added: "It's the same for the children- they're having to relearn the experience of being with their dad. And, of course, the biggest learning is for poor Derek."

The couple have been married since 2005.