Holly Willoughby has shared a sweet tribute to 'patient and generous' Phillip Schofield as he makes career milestone.
The This Morning host was surprised by Lorraine Kelly with her self-titled show on Monday dedicated to him as he marked 40 years as a broadcaster.
Phillip, 59, made his TV debut as the initial presenter of the youth music programme Shazam! in 1982 after moving with his family to New Zealand as a teen.
He returned to the UK in 1985 and became the first in-vision continuity presenter for Children's BBC on weekdays for two years in what was known as The Broom Cupboard.
READ MORE: ITV's Lorraine Kelly storms into This Morning dressing room for Phillip Schofield surprise
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Phillip sat with Lorraine on her hour-long ITV show as he reminisced over his career alongside Holly and other special guests.
And his This Morning co-host of 13 years credits him for getting her the ITV daytime job.
Holly's role on the programme following Ferne Britton's exit and after the pair had already presenter Dancing On Ice together.
"When Ferne decided to leave and discussions started I said there's only one person, it has to be Holly," Phil said.
"I don't know why you were so convinced of that," Holly replied. "And I thank you every day because I know, really, you were on your own with that school of thought and it was really down to you standing by that that I got the job."
She added: "Without a doubt, if it wasn't for you there's no way I'd be doing This Morning."
As she disappeared off to let Phillip enjoy his moment, Holly then took to Instagram to share a gushing tribute to her friend and co-star.
"Today the TV oracle marks his 40th year in the business… for a long time I watched you and then for the last 15 years I have been lucky enough to sit alongside you," she wrote alongside a photo of Phil, 59, in The Broom Cupboard.
"You have taught me so much, you have always been patient and generous with me… It’s been an honour to play a part in your TV story… "
Holly ended her post: "Love you to bits @schofe."
And fans were sharing their messages.
"Congrats Phillip he's to many more wonderful years on our Telly," @finnertyfiona said.
@patricia.jackson.56808 wrote: "Congratulations Phil, long may your career continue."
"Loving watching Lorraine! Congratulations to Philip a legend," @hilarybrown1773 added.
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