Phillip Schofield described Holly Willoughby as the "sister" he never had, as he posted a heartfelt message ahead of her 40th birthday.
This Morning star Phil said he was a "lucky man" to have such a "fiercely loyal and wonderful friend" in his life.
The 58-year-old has presented the ITV show with Holly throughout the coronavirus pandemic and the pair are now presenting Dancing On Ice together, meaning they spend a lot of time together - reports Mirror Online.
Phil made an emotional statement about Holly, who turns 40 on February 10.
He told OK! magazine : "There have been so many times over the years that I have rejoiced in the fact that Holly is my friend, I've said often that she is the sister I never had.
"We've stood side by side (recently with a 2m gap) through good times and tough times... She is a constant support to me, built of steel and love. We've laughed together and cried together and got helplessly drunk together.
"I'm a lucky man to have such a fiercely loyal and wonderful friend in my life. Happy birthday, Holly."
The duo have been friends for years and have worked on multiple projects together over their careers.
Last year, Phil confided in Holly about his sexuality when he came out as gay on the This Morning sofa in an emotional chat.
Outside of work and back in normality, the pair would enjoy getting drunk at showbiz events and going on family holidays together in their free time.
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It's believed Holly will celebrate her 40th birthday on-screen with a big birthday cake on This Morning.
Reportedly Holly will also have a star-studded zoom call to celebrate and she will also mark the milestone with husband Dan and their three children.
