Phillip Schofield was surprised by Lorraine Kelly as she knocked on the door of his dressing room today.
The 62-year-old host decided to help him celebrate 40 years in the industry with a little help from his colleagues, friends and former co-stars.
Lorraine had given his room door a knock before entering and Phil turned around in his chair, eyebrows raised as Holly Willoughby sat to his side.
The pair appeared to have had their make-up done an hour ahead of This Morning as Phil expressed his shock at Lorraine Kelly's appearance.
Later, Phil appeared on the show as he exclaimed:"Oh my god! i've got my earpiece in my pocket! I can't hear anything!"
Lorraine exclaimed: "40 years!"
Phil insisted: "As I said there before, I'd forgotten!"
"We couldn't let it go," she said. "We go back - way, way back!
"You were so kind, welcoming and easy - it was like talking to a pal... we used to have such a laugh, we used to dress up as mad things."
Holly also appeared alongside him as she said that Phil had been the one to push for her to get the job hosting alongside him on This Morning.
"I know that you were on your own in that school of thought," Holly said.
She later paid tribute to her pal on Instagram, writing: "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.
"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… love you to bits @schofe."
*Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV
