Holly Willoughby and Phil Schofield mark 11 years of This Morning with throwback

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have spent their Monday morning reminiscing on their This Morning journey as they mark their 11th anniversary as hosts.

On the 15th of September 2009, bubbly Holly made her debut on the iconic ITV morning show after telly bosses decided that she was the perfect match for Phil.

Holly, then 28, had bit boots to fill at the time after long-running presenter Fern Britton called time on her This Morning career.

Eleven years after her first appearance on the show, Holly admitted that she forgot that today was a momentous day, but couldn’t see herself anywhere else.

Phil also forgot their telly anniversary, but became emotional when the pair took a look back at their first ever selfie together.

“We were so young!” gasped Holly upon seeing this throwback snap.

While Phil quipped: “I think we’re getting better with age – like a fine wine!”

Phil and Holly were first paired together in 2006 after they were chosen to front ITV’s new skating competition Dancing On Ice.

This also marked then-kids TV host Holly’s first foot in the door into mainstream television.

Producers and viewers alike noticed the pair’s chemistry, and when Fern announced she was leaving This Morning in 2009, there was only one obvious choice to join Phil on that famous sofa.

The pair have shared many momentous moments together on the show from turning up to the studio in their NTA ensemble’s having not gone home from the night before, to Phil coming out as gay in what was one of the most inspirational and emotional moments ever.

Last year, Phillip shocked and inspired the nation when he revealed his hidden sexuality live on air, but not before thanking his best friend Holly for her continued support and unconditional love.

Phillip explained that Holly had been a rock for him as he worked through a difficult period in his life, with their love and admiration for one another shining through the screen.

Holly shared her undying support for her pal when she revealed that she had “never been prouder of my friend than I am today”.

The 39-year-old continued by reassuring Phil that she would be there for him for the rest of his life, no matter what happens.

Whatever happens in the future, I’ll be sat by your side forever… we’re all part of this family”.

In one of the most emotional scenes ever to be aired on the long running daytime show, Phil described Holly as “the sister he never had” as the pair held one another on the sofa.

There’s no doubt that the dynamic duo will share many more fits of laughter, special moments and spectacular selfies in the years to come.

Happy This Morning anniversary to Holly and Phil.

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