Holly Willoughby makes rare return to Instagram to wish This Morning’s Alison Hammond happy birthday
HOLLY Willoughby made a rare post on Instagram today to wish her close pal Alison Hammond a happy birthday.
The TV stars formed a strong partnership on This Morning following Phillip Schofield's shock exit last year, after an affair with a younger male colleague, and remain firm friends four months on from Holly's resignation.
Sharing a picture of the pair cheek to cheek at a glamorous awards show, Holly wrote: "Happiest of Birthdays to this Dream Queen… love ya @alisonhammond55 have a day as beautiful as you."
Alison replied: "Thanks darling [love heart eyes]."
Popular Alison turns 49 today and a whole host for friends shared their well-wishes on social media including Dermot O'Leary, Love Island's Laura Anderson and This Morning chef Marcus Bean.
Prior to the birthday message, Holly shared a picture of herself in an incredible yellow frock on Instagram which she wore for last night's Dancing On Ice.
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The sunshine frock from Safiyaa was a hit with fans who branded the look "stunning".
Meanwhile Alison has taken the day off from hosting duties with Mollie King filling in for her beside Dermot on This Morning.
The former Big Brother star's rise to the top of the telly pile in recent years has been meteoric.
Not only did she has she got lots more screen time on This Morning but she hosted the Baftas last year with Richard E Grant and replaced Matt Lucas on the Great British Bake Off.
Now she's returning to front For The Love of Dogs following previous host Paul O'Grady's death.
Paul's close friend Julian, 64, was also thought to be in the running for the job but it seems there are no hard feelings between him and Alison.
During Friday's This Morning, she told co-host Dermot that Julian had messaged her following the news.
She said he had told her: "Paul actually thought a lot of you. He would be so happy you got the job, as am I."
Alison also spoke about why she wanted the role, adding: "It’s a massive responsibility. I’ve always wanted a dog but you have to take it seriously.
"I just want to make [Paul] proud."
