A host of celebrities, including Morgan Freeman and Billie Eilish, have paid tribute to Sir David Attenborough ahead of his 99th birthday.

The broadcaster and natural historian will turn 99 next week and to mark the occasion, a number of stars were asked about his influence on them.

Actor Morgan Freeman told The Guardian: "I've spent hours captivated by his storytelling and reminded of the beauty and fragility of the world we share. David Attenborough is one of my favourite narrators, bringing the wonders of our planet to life in a way that's both inspiring and unforgettable."

Singer Billie said: "David Attenborough's deep love and knowledge of our planet and the animal kingdom brings out the childlike curiosity within us all. He's a living treasure."

'Monty Python' star Michael Palin shared some of his memorable encounters with Attenborough over the years.

He said: "When 'Monty Python' first aired, the BBC put it on late, hoping no one would notice. At a BBC event, the only one who'd talk to us was David Attenborough, then director of programmes, who told us the more they tried to stop it being seen, the greater would be our cult following. He was right. Years later, David, now the most respected man in television, was to receive an award at the Canadian embassy. He strolled in alone, unnoticed. I told him I admired him for arriving with so little fuss. Almost apologetically, he said, 'Oh, I came here yesterday as well. It was the wrong night.'"

And, actress and activist Jane Fonda, praised David for inspiring people to see the importance of preserving nature.

She said: "I have watched every one of his documentaries. There is so much to learn and love, but particularly how he shows us the interconnectedness of the natural world: everything matters, and we must fight to save it all."

Actress Kate Winslet shared: "Before the digital world filled our everyday lives, we lived in a different time. David Attenborough remains, for me, an integral part of how things used to be. Our more plentiful oceans, our verdant, bulging rainforests, full of species that thrived before their natural habitats came under such serious threat. He is someone I would swim through stormy seas to meet. In a declining world when we desperately need compassionate anchors, David is that anchor for so many, showing us depths and beauty that won't be with us forever, forming a picture for future generations of just how vital it is to stay educated, to stay curious."