Holly Willoughby left in tears as Phillip Schofield and the ITV team surprise her on her 40th birthday

Today marks Holly Willoughby’s 40th birthday and the This Morning star was left more than a little tearful after co-host Phillip Schofield gave her an incredible backstage surprise. The two hosts have been firm favourites with This Morning viewers for many years, as their close friendship and sense of humour bring a sense of warmth and positivity to all who watch.  And it seems like Phillip and the ITV team weren't prepared to hold back when it came to showing Holly how much she means to everyone when she turned 40 today.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Phillip shared all the behind-the-scenes details of Holly’s big birthday surprise backstage at the studio prior to her arrival. 

He announced: "The birthday girl is about to arrive, everything is ready. She doesn't know about this."

"She is about to walk through that door."

He then showed off the amazing decorations that had been set up for her, including balloons and a huge light-up 40 sign. Holly’s ITV family were lined up in a social distanced manner ready to surprise her when she arrived and it seemed to have gone better than anyone could’ve hoped.

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Holly was left speechless as she spotted the This Morning crew lined up along the corridor, clapping and calling out Happy Birthday. With Stevie Wonder's ‘Happy Birthday’ playing in the background, they then began to sing along.

Overwhelmed by the amazing gesture from Phillip and her ITV family, Holly tearfully responded: "Thank you. I'm just going to go in here and cry.”

Upon seeing the beautiful 40 sign set up, she then emotionally added, "I'm going to spend all day in tears, aren’t I?"

This wonderful surprise comes after Holly’s 40th birthday celebrations kicked off a little early with a surprise from the Dancing on Ice team. Posting on Instagram, the presenter shared a snap of her standing in front of large white letters that spelt out ‘Holly’, complete with blow-up pink flamingoes and balloons.

In her caption, she wrote: ‘Thank you @dancingonice for making me feel so special... it’s kicked off my birthday week in style... honestly felt overwhelmingly spoilt today with all the decorations and cake!!!! Thank you.... love you to bits! 🎂 💗🦄🦩🌸✨🍭🥂 ‘

Holly first started presenting the ice dancing show back in 2006 and continued until 2011, before returning once again in 2018. She and Phillip have hosted This Morning together since 2009.

Happy Birthday, Holly!