British and Irish Lions stars arrive back home with the trophy… as Chloe Madeley greets boyfriend James Haskell with a big hug and kiss

BRITISH and Irish Lions stars returned home with the trophy intact – as Chloe Madeley planted a big kiss on boyfriend James Haskell.

Warren Gatland’s side arrived at Heathrow after 24 hours in the air following their thrilling drawn series against New Zealand.

Camera Press - David Dyson

Camera Press - David Dyson

And though there was no official winner, forward Haskell certainly looked one when he was embraced by stunning blonde Madeley.

The Wasps flanker held onto his lady with just one arm after she leapt into him in arrivals.

Meanwhile, skipper Sam Warburton proudly placed the silverware atop his luggage.

And Maro Itoje, one of the standout players of the Lions side let alone the Test series, continued his duty of looking after BIL the Lion.

Gatland – who was depicted as a clown by local media – saw his side lose the first Test in Auckland.

That came despite Ireland’s Sean O’Brien crashing over for one of the truly great Lions tries.

Camera Press - David Dyson

PA:Press Association

PA:Press Association

But he and his squad bounced back brilliantly at the Cake Tin to level the series with a 24-21 win following Sonny Bill Williams’ red card.

The Kiwi boss was looking to become the first British and Irish Lions coach to lead the side to a tour win in New Zealand since 1971.

PA:Press Association

PA:Press Association

PA:Press Association

PA:Press Association

But history was created in another way with the tied series.

Owen Farrell's nerveless penalty in the dying minutes of the final game levelled it 15-15 and ensured the Lions kept hold of the trophy won in Australia four years ago.