Brian Dowling shared a gushing tribute to his 'absolutely incredible' surrogate sister on Sunday after she gave birth to his baby daughter, Blake.
The 44-year-old, who is married to Armenian professional dancer Arthur Gourounlian, 42, took to Instagram to write a lengthy message of thanks to sibling Aoife, in an 'appreciation post'.
Addressing his 207,000 followers, the Big Brother icon said of his sister: "You are an absolutely incredible human. From our first jokingly conversations about this back in 2015 when you moved in with us in London to our more serious chats about it in January 2021 in the middle of the pandemic when we would go on our daily walks. This has been in the works for years.
"But everything happens when its supposed to and for us everything really clicked. Your dedication and focus has been out of this world. You have always put yourself out there for everyone to voice their opinions about this and you never faltered. Even the vile/disgusting messages we all received just encouraged us to be more open regarding our surrogacy journey.
"From dramas regarding trying to get you on hormones especially here in Ireland where there's no legislation regarding surrogacy and the lack of any real information or guidance. To numerous conversations about your cycle. To the night of mum's birthday dinner last December when we made it by minutes to the pharmacy and purchased the very last ovulation test.
"WE have been through it all. At one point we actually thought it wasn't going to happen and Arthur and I debated stopping everything for a few months and you were like NO we have this so lets keep going."
Brian, who won series two of Big Brother in 2001 and Ultimate Big Brother nine years later continued to praise his sister describing the 'magic' day in December when she returned four positive pregnancy tests and when they revealed their 'most amazing news'.
He completed his tribute by saying: "You aren't just my sister or Arthur's sister-in-law, you are an angel and my best friend. You deserve the world and everything you desire. We love you Aoife darling you are our queen and long may you reign."
Celebrity pals were quick to pass on their love to the star with Girls Aloud's Kimberley Walsh writing: " I am totally in awe of you @effidy_dowling_ and this wonderful gift you have given @bprdowling and @gourounlian. What a special human you are! I am sending you the most love and hoping you are recovering well."
Real Housewives of Cheshire star Dawn Ward added: "J ust incredible how lovely your sister has been to give you the greatest gift a child. What an incredible sister she is. You're so lucky to have what must be the best sister in the world."
Countless fans also congratulated the family with as one declared: "Amazing family story, well done to you all for no coming out the negatives and embracing what was important to you all, congrats on ye're little girl."
Another said: "A beautiful tribute! What an amazing woman. Congratulations to you all. Welcome to the world Blake."
And a third replied: "Truly amazing. What a fantastic family you have. Literally built on the foundations of so much love."
