Steph McGovern was surprised by her close friends Louise Minchin and Chris Evans on the latest instalment of Steph’s Packed Lunch as the Channel 4 star celebrated her 40th birthday.
The instalment saw the presenter receive a string of surprises as she helmed the Channel 4 daytime show.
In a secret change to the running order, Steph’s friend and former BBC Breakfast colleague Louise, who also recently left the programme, took over hosting the final part of the show.
On seeing Louise, Steph exclaimed “Oh my god! No way!” as she told tales from Steph’s life.
Louise spoke to her childhood friends, teachers, former colleague and mentor Robert Peston and, finally, Steph’s dad Eamonn.
An emotional Steph said in response: “I wouldn’t be who I am without the people around me… I’m nothing special, I’m just a product of everyone around me.”
Throughout the show, there were plenty of messages from Steph’s famous pals, including comedian Dawn French, presenter Chris Evans, actress Miriam Margolyes, The One Show presenter Alex Jones, Kerry Katona and chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.
In his video message, Chris Evans sang happy birthday to Steph and asked: “Steph, do you remember the time you fancied my wife more than I did?!”
In fits of giggles, Steph stayed coy on the topic, before Miriam Margolyes told her: “I’m twice your age. Mind you, I don’t look it.”
Dawn French said in a sweet celebratory message: “I want to thank you for throwing your pants at me all those years ago and forging the friendship we that we have, which I love.
“Do you know what Steph? I love everything about you… I love your hair, your eyeballs, nostrils, neck, trousers… Anyway, it’s your 60th birthday and you’re looking good on it, kid! Happy birthday!”
Alex Jones later said: “The moment we met in a stockroom in John Lewis – the glamour - on Shop Well [For Less], I just knew we would get on like a house on fire.”
Kerry Katona: “I hope you have a wonderful 40th. You’re an amazing inspiration, you’re just a bit like me, really… Awesome.”
Steph’s Packed Lunch regular Denise van Outen called in to welcome Steph to the “naughty forties”, adding: “Wishing you the best birthday ever, you know we all love you.”
Gemma Atkinson chimed in with another message, saying: “Happy birthday Steph, oh bless you, 40 and fabulous!”
Steph’s Packed Lunch airs weekdays at 12.30pm on Channel 4 and All 4.
